Dean Elgar and the Proteas should not be thrown from their course by the hammering they took at Old Trafford.
The Proteas’ approach to the game has been solid, although everyone is rightly wondering why they opted to bat first in Manchester.
Elgar was likely out to wrongfoot England and keep South Africa’s hold over the series, but the plan backfired because South Africa couldn’t bat out the opening day.
Decision making
There may have been a solid plan behind the decision, but the execution clearly let South Africa down.
The Proteas lost their way at Old Trafford by forgetting what their strength is – and missed out on the chance to keep pressure on England.
South Africa have a batting line-up capable of backing up a bowling unit that is firing, but they aren’t really capable of taking the game away from a side like England with conventional Test batting or deploying their so-called Bazball strategy.
Trying to match England
England’s overriding principle is to take the most positive option when they are making decisions.
It’s quite possible this rubbed off on the Proteas, but they really do need to be a whole lot more pragmatic than the English.
England’s position in world cricket affords them advantages the Proteas simply do not have.
There is nothing wrong with South Africa setting out to grind out a result by any means necessary.
South African cricket fans are not clamouring for the Proteas to go hell for leather in attacking England with the bat, but want to see them take it to their hosts with energy in the field and top-draw fast bowling.
Rickelton or Zondo
One batting change will be required for the third Test against England with either Ryan Rickelton or Khaya Zondo likely to come into the XI. Further changes are not necessary, barring perhaps the return of Marco Jansen.
The strengths of this team are there for all to see and there is no point trying to hide that.