Dean Elgar will assume the captaincy of the final international match of his career against India in place of Temba Bavuma.
Following Thursday’s conclusion of the first Test against India, Cricket South Africa confirmed that Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the series’ concluding Test. Having suffered a hamstring strain during fielding on the first day of the Test match, Bavuma was unable to continue playing after examinations disclosed the injury.
Dean Elgar, who declared his intention to retire prior to the series, will proceed with the final match of his international tenure as the team’s captain in his absence. Following Bavuma’s absence from the field during the initial Test, Elgar assumed the captaincy duties and led South Africa to a 32-run victory at Centurion.
Beginning on January 3, Zubayr Hamza will replace Bavuma in the squad for the final Test of the year, which is scheduled to take place in Cape Town.
Elgar possesses prior experience as a captain, having led the Proteas, most notably during the most recent Test series that India conducted in South Africa. In 2022-23, following a 1-0 deficit, the opening player guided the Charge to a 2-1 recovery victory.
At Centurion, Elgar once stood in opposition to India. This event transpired in the recently concluded match, nearly two years later. Elgar amassed 185 runs in South Africa’s first innings, the second-highest total of his Test career, after dismissing India for 245 runs with his bowling.
The hosts were not required to bat again, as the 163-run advantage was sufficient and South Africa’s pacers destroyed the opposition’s batsmen. India was bundled out for 131 as an innings victory by South Africa increased their lead to 1-0.
Elgar was awarded the Player of the Match award in recognition of his magnificent century.
Commencing on January 3, the concluding Test of the series will be played in Cape Town.