The Proteas have had enough of the sideshows and just want to play cricket, according to opening batsman Dean Elgar.
Having enjoyed a week’s break after winning the second Test against Australia in Port Elizabeth to level the four-match series 1-1, Elgar says they spent that time preparing for the third Test at Newlands which starts on Thursday.
With the drama surrounding Kagiso Rabada’s suspension and the Quinton de Kock/ Dave Warner incident taking centre stage in the series to date, Elgar wants the focus to shift to cricket.
He says: “It’s been quite a hectic last two weeks with everything happening behind the scenes.
CAPE ACE: Vernon Philander. Photo: Deryck Foster/BACKPAGEPIX
“There’s been a lot of noise and it was nice to get some time off.”
Elgar reveals that, despite all the media hype, the squad didn’t give too much thought to the Rabada appeal or ban.
He explains: “We haven’t even spoken about it [since coming back together as a group]. As players we’re just trying to isolate ourselves from that situation.
“It would be nice to put it behind us now.
NO DISTRACTIONS: Kagiso Rabada. Photo: Deryck Foster/BACKPAGEPIX
“It’s such a great Test series between two extremely strong and competitive teams, and the background noise is hindering what is a actually a nice series. We want to put this behind us.”
Of the rivalry between the two squads, he adds: “There has been a lot of niggle from both sides, it’s what you expect when you play against quality opposition.
“The intensity should be there, it’s what makes this format special.”
SCANDAL: Quinton de Kock. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BACKPAGEPIX
Elgar admits that he hasn’t had a look at the pitch yet, but expects local hero Vernon Philander to play a big part in the match once again.
Of Vern’s remarkable record at Newlands to date, he says: “I think it’s the crowd that gets him going - this [Newlands has] been his home ground throughout his career.”