‘He quite literally is the Dean’: Elgar's ‘attitude’ hailed as South Africa captain stands tall despite multiple blows

During his 121-ball stay in the middle the Proteas captain took multiple body blows as he returned unbeaten after the close of play on Day 3 of the ongoing Johannesburg Test.

Leading the side from front South Africa captain Dean Elgar stood tall against a barrage of bouncers launched by the Indian pace battery. During his 121-ball stay in the middle the Proteas captain took multiple body blows as he returned unbeaten after the close of play on Day 3 of the ongoing Johannesburg Test.

South Africa's Dean Elgar receives medical attention after being hit by the ball in the face during Day 3 of the second Test. (AP)

Chasing a stiff 240, Elgar scored 46 as South Africa reached 118/2 at stumps and now need another 112 to settle scores in the three-match series. Elgar found great support by Keegan Petersen, who scored 28 before he was trapped LBW by R Ashwin, and will resume Proteas' attack on Day 4 along with Rassie van der Dussen.

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Elgar's efforts generated reactions from ex-cricketers as Irfan Pathan saluted the “determination” displayed by the South Africa captain. Windies legend Ian Bishop too acknowledged Elgar's efforts.

Here are a few reactions:

Earlier, in the second session, India added 78 runs after lunch to set South Africa a target of 240. Hanuma Vihari remained unbeaten at 40 while Shardul Thakur played a knock of 28 runs in 24 balls. For South Africa, Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen all picked three wickets to bundle India out for 266.

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In the first session, South Africa fought back with four wickets late on Wednesday morning. Resuming Day Three, Pujara and Rahane added 70 more runs to the overnight tally before Kagiso Rabada got the breakthrough for South Africa. Rabada got Rahane out caught behind for 58 before trapping Pujara in front of the stumps. The right-handed bowler didn't stop here and went onto dismiss Rishabh Pant as India lost the third wicket on Wednesday.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane had steadied the ship for India with their respective fifties but Rabada removed both batters to lead South Africa's fight back on Wednesday morning.

with inputs from ANI