Elgar’s Aussie lip service

SOUTH African opener Dean Elgar has baited the Australians to return to their sledging ways, declaring “nice guys come second”.

Elgar admitted the good guy transformation felt odd in the fourth Test under Tim Paine’s captaincy, after the antagonistic and toxic series blew up last week after the balltampering scandal.

Elgar produced a decisive second innings, a classic Test knock of 81 off 250 deliveries, in a spell that would’ve most likely provoked some lip in the preceding three matches.

He doubts whether Australia’s mild-mannered on-field approach can continue.

“You’ve got to have a bit of a tenacious approach sometimes in Test cricket. Nice guys come second, that’s my saying,’’ Elgar said.

“It’s odd. I’ve played quite a few Tests against Australia and it’s definitely been the most docile Test since I played Test cricket. I’m pretty sure it’s not going to last very long.

“There’s a lot of frustrations in the game and a lot of frustrations that happen within five days.”