Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-South Africa batsman Dean Elgar hopes he can develop a strong opening partnership with Stiaan Van Zyl, but the second Test against Bangladesh may not be the chance.
Rain ruined the first Test in Chittagong as just 221 overs were bowled at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, reports allsports.com.
The second Test is scheduled to begin at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, at 9:30am on July 30 and will continue till August 3.
There may be some improvement for South Africa’s final game of the tour in Mirpur, but rain is again forecast on at least four of the days.
Elgar would like the chance to further his partnership with Van Zyl, who averages 76.66 in the four Tests he has played.
“I don’t feel under pressure,” Elgar said.
“I’m fortunate to have opened in first-class cricket for nine years so I’m fairly confident, irrespective of whether I’m playing at domestic or international level.
“I know Stiaan is new to the opening berth and I see it as an opportunity to assist where I can.
“I know he is a talented player, I’ve known him for years, it’s a position that is quite important in Test cricket to get the team off to a good start.
“What Graeme [Smith] and Alviro [Petersen] have done is awesome so it’s time for myself and Stiaan to put our hands up and make the position ours.”
Bangladesh held their own in the first Test, with Mustafizur Rahman taking four first-innings wickets to help bowl the tourists out for 248.
The hosts made 326 in response to take the upper-hand in the Test, but rain meant a result was never a possibility as South Africa eased to 61-0 in their second innings.
The rain meant Bangladesh avoided defeat in a Test against South Africa for the first time.
Given the forecast weather in Mirpur, Bangladesh may yet improve that record in the second Test.
BBN/ANS