'He's a massive figure for us': Elgar praises KG's effort in Gabba defeat

While there were very few positives for the Proteas to take out of their 6-wicket loss to Australia in the first Test at the Gabba on Sunday, the clouds of defeat had a silver lining. 

Overall, the bowling attack performed excellently as they kept the Proteas in the game throughout.

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However, the real shining light in that effort was once again Proteas pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada. 

With just 34 needed to win the match in their second innings, Rabada put Australia under immense pressure as he took 4/14 including the wicket of David Warner - for the second time in the match, as well as Steve Smith. 

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When asked about Rabada's spell in a losing cause - he ended with match figures of 8/90 - Elgar believed it would provide the Proteas with something to build on heading to Melbourne.  

"Confidence. I think he's a massive figure for us, not just within our bowling group, but [also] within our 16-man squad," Elgar told reporters after the match. 

"I think what you will find is that it really got [Anrich] Nortje fired up as well and he really started to crank it up even more," said Elgar. 

The Proteas captain, who scored 3 and 2 in his turns at the crease, hoped that Rabada's fiery spell could inspire the batting unit too.  

"Hopefully that can inspire our batting unit to get their heads right and knuckle down and to get some performances under their belts for us," Elgar added. 

There's no denying that with Rabada, the Proteas have a bowling unit that can take 20 wickets more often than not. 

For the second Test starting in Melbourne on Boxing Day, South Africa will need the