Elgar lends support to Stephen Cook ahead of Hobart Test

Elgar lends support to Stephen Cook ahead of Hobart Test

Following a dismal performance in both the innings of the first Test against Australia in Perth, Stephen Cook has found support from his opening partner Dean Elgar. With returns of a duck and 12 from both his stints, the right-handed opener is under tremendous pressure ahead of the second Test match in Hobart.

Voicing his support for the four-match old opener, Dean Elgar, on Thursday (November 10) said: "I'm sure if I was in that position, I'd be a bit frustrated because as a player in this environment you want to make a contribution. And I know a guy who's just started his international career wants to make a big play for South Africa.

"Everybody shares his frustrations. As his opening partner, I share his frustrations with him. I am frustrated on his behalf. Hopefully he can feed off the good form of us winning the first Test and make a big play for us in the second Test."

Elgar who scored his fifth Test ton, downplayed the idea of Rilee Rossouw being drafted into the side as an opening batsman - referring to him as a "dynamic middle-order batsman". "He's not really an opening batsman," Elgar pointed out. "His role is a lot different to Cookie. He will bring in another dynamic of aggression. That's the way he approaches his cricket. I don't think Rilee is going to be needed just yet."

Cook scored a hundred on debut against England at the start of the year, following it up with a fifty against New Zealand later. Australia are trailing South Africa 0-1 in the three-match Test series and the second Test is slated to be played in Hobart on November 12.