The Proteas won the 1st Test at Lord's by an innings and 12 runs, while the hosts levelled the series last week with an innings and 85-run win at Old Trafford.

Both teams take a break for the week and this will give the Proteas in particular some time to reflect.

Elgar said in both Tests the team batting first made it count.

“You set yourself up nice if you score well in the first innings,” said Elgar.

“It didn't happen in the first Test for the opposition and it didn't happen for us in the second Test. I think that it's kind of self-explanatory.

“When you have your foot on the opposition's throat, they are not going to give you an inch. You are always going to be fighting that battle to claw your way back. That is Test cricket for you.

“We are playing against the best in the world here, they aren't going to give you a margin to even get a sniff.”

The 3rd and final Test will start on 8 September at the Oval in Kensington.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport