David Bedingham preaches endurance as Proteas look to hit back in Gqeberha

The home side could only last 78 overs in the first innings of the first Test in Durban, while not faring much better in the second innings after being bowled out in 86.5 overs on their way to a 214-run defeat to go 1-0 down in the three-match series.

Bedingham was one of the few players from the hosts that looked in good touch at the crease, scoring 49 and 46 in the game, but knows bigger scores and longer periods at the crease will be needed.

Australia's four-prong bowling attack that consists of pace trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood as well as spinner Nathan Lyon were relentless in their lines and lengths as they put the Proteas under pressure in the opening Test.

In contrast, the tourists batted for 137.2 overs to amass a total of 390 with Matt Renshaw spending close to eight ours at the crease for a monumental 190 off 397 deliveries.

"All of our batters know it will always be tough against them, but it's just about how we can do it for longer," Bedingham told reporters at St George's Park on Friday.

"In first-class cricket, you face a decent bowler, then another decent one, and then you can cash in on the third or fourth seamer.

"Against Australia, you get through six balls of Cummins, look up, and it's Starc. Then you get through their spell and it's Hazlewood and Lyon. So yeah, it's tough, but we've faced them before so hopefully we can just do it for longer periods of time.

"If we can be only four or five down by that stage and take them to 80, 100 or 120 overs, the game looks completely different from a strategic angle. I know they're machines, but everyone gets tired eventually."

The encounter in Durban was also the first time Bedingham batted at number 3 in Test cricket, from his usual 4 or 5, and is embracing the responsibility that comes with the role.

"I don't think I changed much (in terms of technique)," the 32-year-old said. "I just try to go out there and play. I think personally I go about it the same. I think if you (bat at) three, there's usually three slips and the gully, so there is more chance to score.

"Five is a bit different. There might be two slips and one fielder in a cover position. I don't think about it too much, it is a different challenge, but one that I'm up for."

The Proteas should have a significant boost in their bowling attack with pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada taking part in full training as looks to have recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the first Test.

"There's been a lot of chat around the group, but the main thing is just about bouncing back, showing a good attitude, and applying ourselves," Bedingham added.

"It's a huge challenge, but if we bounce back and get a Proteas win on day four or five, that's the ultimate goal."