England vs South Africa 2022

Dean Elgar calls the third Test against England a ‘World Cup Final’ for South Africa

Talking to the press conference ahead of the third Test at the Oval, Elgar was hopeful of a result in the match despite the rain forecast.

Sep 7, 2022 8:59 pm

South African Test Captain Dean Elgar has called the third and final Test of the series against England a ‘World Cup final’ for his team. Talking to the press conference ahead of the third Test at the Oval, Elgar is hopeful of a result in the match despite the rain forecast.

“There’s definitely going to be a winner in this Test, no doubt,” Elgar said. “The styles of cricket that we’ve been playing, there’s definitely going to be a result. There will be a victor and there will be someone that loses this Test, no doubt.”

“Going into the Test 1-1, it’s pretty much like a World Cup final for us. That’s the way I’m viewing it. We’re going in with a result in mind and we’re going to give our best effort for that. We can’t control the weather but I’m pretty confident there will be a result in this game,” he further added.

Both the matches in the series were finished in three days. South Africa hammered England by an innings and 12 runs in the first Test. While England made a terrific comeback in the second Test and registered a win by an innings and 85 runs. With the series on the line, the South African captain further termed the third Test the ‘biggest’ under his captaincy.

“It’s the biggest Test so far in my captaincy. I think the players sense that. We’ve got to play every game like it’s your last and I think this one of those where you have to empty the tank,” Elgar further added.

Elgar also confirmed Ryan Rickelton as the replacement for the injured Rassie van der Dussen for the third Test. He further hinted at making two-or-three more changes to his side for the big game tomorrow.

South Africa currently hold the second position in the WTC standings having a points percentage of 66.67%. The Proteas have performed exceptionally in the current cycle and are strong contenders to reach the final. The third Test starting tomorrow is another important game for Dean-Elgar’s men who will give their all to emerge victorious and seal the series.