Elgar backs 'under pressure' Proteas middle-order to fire: 'Consistency is key in Tests'

Proteas skipper Dean Elgar says South Africa will continue to back their batting order in the second Test against England starting at Old Trafford on Thursday.

The Proteas lead the three-match series 1-0 and will look to clinch their first Test series win in England since 2012.

Despite an innings and 12-run victory at Lord's last week, the Proteas batting order came with a bit of scrutiny with only a handful of contributions, which included opener Sarel Erwee top-scoring with 73 along with partner Elgar (47), lower order batters Marco Jansen (48) and Keshav Maharaj (41).

Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and Kyle Verreynne (who came in at No 6 due to personal reasons) only scored 46 runs altogether, with injured Temba Bavuma's recovery still in looming over the selectors' heads.

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Elgar insists his middle order will come right and hopes they can put their hand up, delivering consistent performances with the bat.

"We have extra resources, no doubt, but as long as we are still getting the results, the backing is extremely important for those guys," Elgar told reporters on Wednesday.

"We have given them a decent run of late, but I'm sure they know they are under pressure to perform, they are proper batsmen. They are here for a reason and hopefully, they get everything going the right way for this Test match so they can put us in a stronger position.

"If they are firing in the middle order and we conduct ourselves the way we have been doing of late, our Test side can only grow from there. But they're here and backed.

"Consistency is key in Test cricket and in selection. It's a tough series against England and you'll have to back your horses that you've been backing for