'Always ready for a fight' - Proteas legend AB applauds Boucher, Elgar leadership

Former captain AB de Villiers has led the tributes after the Proteas crushed New Zealand by 198 runs in the second Test in Christchurch on Tuesday.

It was a phenomenal turnaround after South Africa had lost the first Test by an innings and 276 runs.

The drawn series meant South Africa kept their unbeaten run in Test series against New Zealand intact. In fact, the Black Caps have only beaten South Africa five times in 47 Tests dating back to 1932.

De Villiers took to social media to laud South Africa's fighting spirit and the leadership of captain Dean Elgar and coach Mark Boucher.

He also heaped praise on centurions Sarel Erwee and Kyle Verreynne, as well as player of the match Kagiso Radada.

"Our Proteas r always ready for a fight! Well done lads. Congrats Sarel Erwee & Kyle Verreynne on your maiden Test tons, no better feeling. Well deserved! And then, @KagisoRabada25 showing us his class again with both bat and ball. @markb46 & Elgar’s leadership SO clear to see," De Villiers wrote.

Our Proteas r always ready for a fight! Well done lads.Congrats Sarel Erwee & Kyle Verreynne on your maiden Test tons, no better feeling. Well deserved! And then, @KagisoRabada25 showing us his class again with both bat and ball. @markb46 & Elgar’s leadership SO clear to see

Other former Proteas also chipped in with plaudits.

All-rounder Albie Morkel wrote: "Now that is a serious comeback! Well done to everyone involved in the #Proteas setup. Time for the media to write a few positive articles now.."

Now that is a serious comeback! Well done to everyone involved in the #Proteas setup. Time for the media to write a few positive articles now..

Former spinner Pat Symcox echoed De Villiers' remarks: "Every Test win is special but this one will be deeply