Elgar says 'lack of experience' led to Proteas' Test series defeat in England

Proteas skipper Dean Elgar believes that a lack of experience played a massive role as South Africa hurtled towards a Test series loss against England at the Oval.

With the series level at 1-1, Elgar's side succumbed to an all-round clinical performance from the home side as they clinched a nine-wicket win in the final Test at The Oval.

England went on to win the three-match Test series 2-1 inside three days after day one was washed out and day two suspended following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Proteas' batting inexperience was evident as the tourists were bundled out for 118 and 169. Needing only 130 for the Test win, opener Zak Crawley scored an unbeaten half-century to steer England home. 

Elgar, who top-scored with 36 for the Proteas at The Oval, insists conditions were tough and that SA's lack of experience resulted in their poor showing in England.

"I think the lack of experience and exposure in Test and UK conditions, that kind of work hand-in-hand. We were exposed to the toughest batting conditions throughout the Test, the ball was nipping quite a lot," Elgar told reporters on Monday.

"It was tough conditions for myself and I've got a decent amount of experience so I can only imagine how the guys who've played one or two Tests feel. It was tough all around."

England has now won six of their seven Tests under the new leadership pairing of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

Meanwhile, defeat means South Africa have suffered their first Test series loss since Elgar took over as captain last year.

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Elgar says that England was just too good and controlled every aspect of the game.

"I think they thought relatively good