The Proteas are, however, concerned over the opening role with the bat following the hand injury to Quinton de Kock who scored 22 runs in the first game.

The Proteas captain, Temba Bavuma, did however back the former Knights cricketer, Reeza Hendricks, for the role.

The skipper feels there isn’t a problem with the top-order batting, but it was more a case of not rocking up for the game.

“As a collective, it wasn't our best effort and they were definitely the better team.

“They put us under pressure, especially the first 10 overs, and I thought we did well the next 10 overs to restrict them to 180.

“With the batting, we didn't pitch up, and the partnerships weren't there. We weren't able to get any momentum into our innings.

“We always try to assess in the first two overs and then look to get some momentum going in our innings. Unfortunately, we couldn't do that.”

The fourth match of the series will be played on Friday in Rajkot.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport