South Africa skipper Dean Elgar strongly believes in the mantra of starting a big series such as against India starting tomorrow on a brilliant note and hence he is urging his players to land a strong “first punch” on the Virat Kohli-led side in the first Test of the series.
He narrowed down further for his teammates and has urged them to take control of the first day, first session and first few important phases to gain control over the game and the series.
However, at the same time, he has also asked them to follow “processes” and not get too desperate for outstanding success right from the start of the game.
Elgar warned his side that they will have to go through some “tough times” in order to have their command over the game and highlighted the importance of owning the first two sessions of the game and series as a stepping stone for their path of success or failure in the series.
"The first punch is important, not just in Test cricket but in other formats as well. It gives you a bit of momentum on your side if you're able to negate the first hour or two of the first session on day one. I think if you came through unscathed that can work in your favour massively and can either make or break a team early on in a series.”
"We know how important it is to be on the button to land that first punch.
“With that in mind, we know that we have to follow our processes. Landing the first punch doesn't mean that you have to go out there and score 100/0 in the first session or take five wickets. Sometimes it's about fighting through the tough times and not losing any wickets and showing their bowling line-up that we have things under control.”
Elgar has also rated the Indian team very highly and he will be the first man to walk the talk if South Africa get to bat first at SuperSport Park in Centurion against the bowling attack likely to be comprised of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammad Siraj.