Proteas skipper Elgar grateful for NZ quarantine allowances: 'I'd be climbing up the wall'

Proteas Test skipper Dean Elgar says his squad's managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) in New Zealand has been reasonable, but 10 straight days without movement under stricter regulations would have felt like incarceration.

The Proteas arrived in New Zealand last week Friday, and Elgar said they have gone through three sets of Covid-19 tests since then that have all come back negative.

However, a recent uptick in New Zealand's Covid-19 cases has necessitated a change in the regulations that have affected South Africa's movements in the country.

Elgar is happy with the allowances that have been made for the Proteas in New Zealand - they are allowed to train in groups within their bubble - but he also expounded on how difficult it has been for the players when encased in quarantine.

Elgar, who chuckled at the growth of his beard while in quarantine, sheepishly admitted to having lost count of the days of the week.

"I don't think you can prep with this. What you can do before coming here is to chat to respective people to make life bearable," Elgar said.

"It would be impossible to get guys to tour here if they're in quarantine for 10 straight days without leaving their room. That's like jail.

"We've been treated well with regards to what we asked for.

"When the cricketing bodies work with government, they can definitely make it manageable, and they've tried their best to make things bearable for us because it would be tough doing nothing for 10 days.

"It's not easy and If I wasn't doing anything, I'd be climbing up the wall and jumping off the balcony, but the conversations have been had to make things easier.

"We do want to be here in New Zealand and play against them, but the touring team also has to be met halfway."

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