Russell Domingo calls on South Africa to close ranks

South Africa head coach Russell Domingo called on his side to close ranks after giving a frank assessment of their shortcomings in the first-Test defeat against England.

The Proteas' batting woes continued on day five at Kingsmead, where England wasted no time in taking the six wickets they needed to secure a crushing 241-run victory.

South Africa captain Hashim Amla said the batsmen must raise their game after the defeat in Durban on Wednesday, with the second Test getting underway at Newlands on Saturday.

Talk of AB de Villiers possibly ending his Test career after the four-match series and unrest in the camp also surfaced during the first Test, while premier paceman Dale Steyn is set to miss out in Cape Town due to a shoulder injury.

And Proteas coach Domingo pulled no punches with his verdict on a defeat which came on the back of a 3-0 series loss in India.

"There is a lot that went wrong in this game," said Domingo.

"There are a lot of questions about the batting line-up, about AB's retirement and Dale's injury so there is a lot going on at the moment.

"I think the important thing for our team is to stay a tight unit and keep the noise out if you possibly can. There will be a lot of comments on Twitter and Facebook, but we have to keep that noise out and believing in what the team is capable of."

Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock and all-rounder Chris Morris have been added to the squad for the second Test, but Domingo was unable to confirm that De Villiers will be relieved of keeping duties.

"There is doubt regarding Dale Steyn's fitness for the second Test and we feel Chris Morris can do the job," said Domingo.

"AB's workload is something that is always being discussed and something I will talk to the selectors about once again. Once that decision is made we will make a call on who keeps wicket in Cape Town."