Under pressure Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has found some support from an unlikely source, as Proteas wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock has backed the 28-year-old.
De Kock says he has nothing but respect for the off-spinner, who is Australia's most experienced player in the current XI with Hobart marking his 59th Test appearance.
Despite being Australia's best ever off-spinner and taking a record 213 matches in the baggy green, Lyon has struggled to perform in recent Tests with many calling for the bowler to be dropped.
Lyon didn't play well during Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka in September and has only taken two wickets in three innings against South Africa so far, but the national team as a whole hasn't been good enough, meaning Lyon isn't the only one out of form.
Former Australian greats Shane Warne and Michael Clarke have both questioned Steve Smith's approach to how he uses Lyon during Tests, and now de Kock has also come to the aid of Lyon.
"Nathan is a quality spin bowler. There were just one or two shots that flew in my head that I played, instinctive shots, which happens," de Kock said of Lyon's bowling on day three of the second Test.
"And afterwards he bowled really well to me.
"To be a spinner in Australia is not easy, so you must understand that he has done exceptionally well in his career and we must respect that.
"Next game he could get me out twice, that's just how it is, so I must give him some respect."
