Elgar: Bangladesh not a pushover anymore

South Africa opener Dean Elgar admitted it will be a difficult task for the Proteas bowlers to get wickets on a flat batting track as Bangladesh have improved in Test cricket in recent times. “It's going to be hard work. Bangladesh are not a pushover team anymore. Their cricket is already highly skilled now. They really utilise the condition to the full capacity. They made scoring quite tough at times and other (times made) getting wickets quite tough,” said Elgar during the post-day press conference after day two of the first Test match at Senwes Park Friday. “There is not a lot of assistance from the pitch for bowlers. So as a bowling unit we have to be accurate. The first hour on day three is crucial. If we can take two-three wickets early on day three then possibly we are going to have a crack with the bat and pile more pressure. But that’s just prediction. It’s a big three days of Test cricket for us. We have to start well [Saturday]," he added.

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South Africa declared suddenly during the tea break and it looked like captain Faf du Plessis made the declaration call as opener Tamim Iqbal was not in the field before the interval for 49 minutes. But Elgar said Tamim’s absence on the field was not considered at all. “I don’t think we thought about that. From lunch we thought about declaring, but scoring became tough. We would like to get more on the board. But still that’s a very good position. And we have to start the first hour very well," the 30-year old explained.

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Also read: Why Tamim did not open for Bangladesh against South Africa

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Elgar believes South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj will play a vital role on day three as the pitch is offering more purchase to the slow bowlers. “Keshav Maharaj was vital for us in every Test series he has played. [Saturday] it's gonna to be a big one for him and he will be crucial. Wicket does offer him what he does and he can spin the ball. We are fortunate that we have a guy who can spin the ball quite hard,” he concluded.