Follow UsSouth Africa captain Dean Elgar rubbished Bangladesh's allegations of abusive sledging directed at their players during the first Test at Kingsmead.
Bangladesh players alleged that 21-year old batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy was subjected to abuse as Elgar backed his teammates saying they were giving back what they received while batting.
"By no means did we swear or use foul language towards the Bangladeshi cricketers, because we respect them," Elgar said ahead of the second Test at St. George's Park on Friday.
"I think they need to harden up and play the game at a level that maybe they're not used to. We wouldn't go out there and intentionally try and intimidate a young player. We'll play the game at a hard level, but we're not there to use language to try to intimidate guys. We'd rather try and intimidate by our skill."
Elgar also sympathized with umpires Marais Erasmus and Adrian Holdstock, who were put under the spotlight by Bangaldesh Test captain Mominul Haque who alleged they were not up to the mark.
Eight of Bangladesh's reviews were overturned with four going their way and the other four in favour of South Africa.
"I feel for them because they're good umpires. Marais is the umpire of the year. Adrian is just starting off in the Test arena, and he's definitely not a bad umpire. They are human beings - they do make errors, as do the players. But I'm pretty sure they're going to learn a hell of a lot out of that. Hopefully in the second Test we can have a better show."
Elgar also felt that Bangladesh, with their over enthusiastic celebrations during the first Test, were less successful in playing mind games with his team.
"We're representing our country and we want to win, and if you're playing a little bit of a mind game on the opposition, why not. Maybe they got caught up in the moment, which played perfectly into our hands. That's what comes with gamesmanship. You've got to outsmart and outplay and outwit your opposition. That's the total emotional and mental side of Test cricket that people forget about sometimes," he said.
Bangladesh will have the chance to level the series after South Africa beat them by 220 runs in the series opener.