Dhaka Test not a do or die for SA

World’s top-ranked Test side South Africa did not think their reputation is at stake ahead of the Dhaka Test after they conceded the one-day international series and drawn the rain-effected first Test match in Chittagong against Bangladesh.
Fresh from another World Cup semi-final exit, which for many a perpetual omen in their cricket history, the Proteas arrived Bangladesh to revive their reputation and confidence but they received a shattering blow from a fast-improving home side.
Not only the result but also the way Tigers performed in the Chittagong Test match the African side must be desperate to make harder plans for the series decider.
Dean Elgar, who had a decent performance in the first Test scoring 47 and 28 not out as an opener claimed that they are not considering the match as a do or die affair.
‘Not at all,’ said the opener when asked whether it is a must win contest for them.
Elgar, who also played a crucial role with the ball breaking a resolute stand between Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah, did not try to lower the intensity of the match rather said that as a Test team every match is important for them and this very match is not an exception.
‘It’s a big Test you know any Test is a big Test for us,’ he said. ‘The important thing is to follow the process and the result will be doing well in the key areas of the game,’ said the left-hander.
Elgar also emphasised on playing well rather than thinking about the result, a process that they maintained to reach the pinnacle in ranking. He was confident to maintain it in the same manner.
‘I think the process that the Test side had been through the last five years that got us to the number one position. We know that this process will keep forward ahead.’
The 28-year old Proteas batsman was also philosophical about the rain that followed them in Dhaka and could be the stumbling block for them in winning the match and the series.
‘Obviously it’s very frustrating especially what we have gone through in Chittagong and now it looks like rain has followed us and rain had been here as well,’ he said.
‘It’s something that you cannot control and it’s out of our hand.’
Elgar, who himself has started his career recently and trying to fill the shoes of recently retired experience players like Graeme Smith and Alviro Peterson as opener, believed that their side still have enough experience and talent to keep their reputation intact.
‘We are an experienced squad and we know what is required for each player,’ he said.
‘Unfortunately it’s raining but you can’t do anything about that, it is obviously one of those factors that you don’t have control over.