Proteas skipper Elgar not fond of extra batter, Aussies toy with two spinners for 3rd Test

Proteas captain Dean Elgar said he was not in favour of playing an extra batsman for the final Test against Australia in Sydney on Wednesday (01:30) because of the added pressure it would place on SA's four specialist bowlers.

"I'm still in favour of a six-five split, but all options are still on the table," Elgar said Tuesday.

"It would be a massive call, a big ask on four bowlers because they did some big numbers in the last Test, a lot of overs."

Number three Theunis de Bruyn's early departure from Australia for family reasons has left tour selectors with a choice between a recall for Rassie van der Dussen or Heinrich Klaasen.

"Talk is cheap and we have to go out and perform, make amends for what has happened so far," said Elgar, who will finalise his team at Wednesday's toss.

READ | Pensive Elgar provides no comfort for Proteas' Test future: 'Lots of things not in our favour'

Captain Pat Cummins said Australia had settled on their team and indicated he was leaning towards playing two spinners.

Cummins said he would confirm his XI at Wednesday's pre-match toss while highlighting the spin-friendly nature of the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch and the fact it could be an ideal lead-in to next month's tour of India.

It raises the prospect of recalled Ashton Agar partnering 458-wicket-taker Nathan Lyon in a twin-spin attack at the SCG for the first time since 2017.

"I don't think it's the WACA (Perth) type pace bowling-friendly wicket out there, so we'll see," he told reporters.

"Yesterday we had a pretty good look at the wicket, just wanted to have another look today 24 hours on.

"It hasn't really changed. They've taken a bit more grass off it. I know SCG historically is renowned for a bit of spin and I reckon that might be the case