Wounded Proteas batters must keep belief for Boxing Day: 'Guys are giving their best'

Proteas batting coach Justin Sammons is confident South Africa can bounce back in the second Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

South Africa's batters were outplayed in the opening Test as they were skittled out for 152 and 99 on a green Gabba pitch. 

The Proteas suffered a six-wicket defeat against the hosts inside two days and now trail the three-match Test series 1-0.

Sammons insists that spirits are still high in the Proteas camp, despite their failure.

"We've got to keep our belief. We know we haven't played to our potential over the last couple of Tests, but we are determined to get it right," Sammons told reporters on Friday.

"The guys are out there giving their best behind the scenes and I am confident we are going to get it right."

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Sammons says that there is no excuse for the way the Proteas batted and hoped that they can overcome a fierce Australian attack.

"We know as a batting group that they are one of the best attacks in the world. We've got to be on our game, both defensively and in attack," said Sammons.

"When we get opportunities to score, we've got to make sure that we take them and then defensively, we've got to be in a strong position."

Although the Proteas' bowling attack had made their own inroads on the green Gabba pitch, Sammons emphasises that SA do not want to rely on their bowlers to win them a Test.

"Without a doubt, our bowling unit has been unbelievable throughout this Test Championship cycle. And as a batting group, we definitely also want to pull our weight and contribute to match-winning performances."

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