MANCHESTER: Proteas captain Dean Elgar admits that he is expecting England to come back with the vengeance in the second Test starting at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday, but has warned that South Africa's hunger for success continues to grow.
The tourists claimed a stunning victory over their hosts in the first Test in London where they won by an innings and 12 runs well inside three days. It was a result that put them 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.
But despite the manner of victory at Lord's Cricket Ground, the Proteas know that their opposition are hurting - and desperate to try and make amends for that defeat.
"I know it won't (go the same way)," Elgar told the media at the pre-match press conference. "It's going to be a lot tougher knowing that England were hurt and I know they're coming back with a vengeance I guess against us. I really just hope we can play another solid game of cricket. I think that will give us the best chance to try and get into a position of victory. But we know we have to start again where the scoreboard is on nought for nought and we'll have to start off pretty well against them," he said.
Elgar also highlighted the 'will to win' feeling within his team, saying they were no less determined to to come out on top in this Test compared to the first.
"What happened in the first Test was something amazing for us," he explained.
"We played really solid, sound cricket as we've been doing the last year. I think our hunger was up there and I think our hunger's still here. I don't think it's going to go anywhere. We drive a hard message with regards to that. We really want to play a brand of cricket that everyone loves back home, and hopefully the rest of the world enjoys. It's difficult to read the future, I wish I could, and I really hope the second Test goes the same way." IANS
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