Staff Reporter.
Proteas fast bowling coach Charl Langeveldt says that despite not bowling Australia out in their second innings, he commended his bowling unit as South Africa face defeat in the second test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Proteas struggled to bundle Australia out after the hosts declared on 575 for eight at tea on Wednesday.
South Africa replied with 15-1, losing skipper Dean Elgar for a duck, as the tourists trail by 371 runs following day three at a cloudy Melbourne.
Langeveldt believes that the Proteas batters can deliver as they hope to avoid a test series defeat.
“I think it’s just to bat time and take it hour by hour and then just try and get runs. Bat for some time and see where it goes for us. If we can bat for two days, that will be brilliant,” Langeveldt told reporters on Wednesday.
The Proteas only captured five wickets on day three as Alex Carey brought up his maiden test century.
Anrich Nortje was the pick of the South African bowlers ending on 3-92 in his 25 overs, with Rabada capturing 2-144 in his 28 overs.
“It has been a tough three days for us as a bowling unit,” admitted Langeveldt.
“We probably didn’t start well on day one and then the next day, it was kind of rewarding, the guys put in their effort. Especially Anrich bowled with a lot of heat, and the only problem is just our control.
“It’s something that we need to speak about and something we can improve, but being a young bowling attack, it is not an excuse, they’ve played a few tests together.
“It’s just being able to control the run rate for longer periods. But I was happy with the enthusiasm the guys showed. I think they were brilliant, you can’t fault them.”
Proteas will look to bat to save the test series with Sarel Erwee (7*) and Theunis De Bruyn (6*) in the middle.