South Africa's Dean Elgar announces retirement from international cricket

Former South Africa captain, Dean Elgar, has decided to bid farewell to international cricket after the upcoming test series against India. Elgar, known for his resilient batting and leadership skills, will play his final test at Newlands in Cape Town, starting January 3. This announcement marks the conclusion of a 12-year-long test career that has seen significant contributions to South African cricket.

Elgar’s Test Career Overview

Dean Elgar, who made his debut against Australia in Perth in 2011, had a memorable and enduring test career. With over 5,000 runs and 13 centuries in 84 tests, he became South Africa’s eighth-highest scorer in the format. His highest score of 199 against Bangladesh in 2017 stands out as a testament to his batting prowess.

Farewell Test at Newlands

Expressing his sentiments about the retirement, Elgar stated, “The Cape Town Test will be my last. My favorite stadium in the world. A place I scored my first Test run against New Zealand and hopefully my last too.” Newlands in Cape Town holds a special place in Elgar’s heart, and it is where he will conclude his illustrious international cricket journey.

Leadership Stint

Elgar took on the role of captaincy in March 2021, succeeding Quintin de Kock. Under his leadership, the Proteas achieved notable series victories in the West Indies and at home against India, along with a commendable draw in New Zealand. However, a challenging tour of Australia a year ago saw Elgar replaced as captain by Temba Bavuma in February, following a series where he averaged just 9.33 runs.

Career Highlights and Milestones

Throughout his career, Elgar showcased resilience and determination, bouncing back from an inauspicious debut against Australia. His 5,146 runs in test cricket, along with significant contributions to series wins and draws, solidify his legacy as a prominent figure in South African cricket.