One player that is in the firing line is the batter Aiden Markram who has scored just 97 runs in his last ten innings at an average of 9.7 runs with a highest score of 31.

Ryan Rickelton is the only remaining uncapped player on tour and Elgar suggested that in an important Test such as this, a debutant will more than likely not be used.

This leaves the team with the all-rounder, Wiaan Mulder, at their disposal.

With his seam bowling Mulder can prove to be a valuable addition to the team, especially on the wicket at the Hagley Oval.

Ahead of the Test, Elgar said he had some honest words with Markram.

“It's a tough”, said the Proteas skipper.

“I think I don't have to speak to him anymore. I've had a lot of tough conversations with him around the nature of that he needs to score runs for us.

“He kind of understands the situation that he is in at the moment. His position is a little vulnerable at the moment in our batting line-up.

“I'd like to think that he is a lot cleverer than that as a player. You don't need to harp on too many things with him.

“He knows that he needs to contribute for us. He is in a very important role for us being in the top order.

We need guys firing. You can't carry a few spots within the batting line-up. It's okay if it's maybe one player who is out of form because you know he could be one knock away from being back in form.

“I've had a lot of good conversations with Aiden over the last couple of weeks. I kind of know the angle to approach him with. It is something that definitely resonates with him in a big way.

The conversations have been had, and now I kind of need him to return the favours as well.”

It has also been confirmed that the seamer, Lungi Ngidi, has been ruled out for the 2nd Test as well due to an ongoing back strain.

Play at the Hagley Oval gets underway at midnight.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport