Former South African captain Dean Elgar is expected to retire after the two-match Test series against India at home.
Elgar will play his farewell Test at Centurion, with his swansong slated for Newlands, where he made his maiden Test runs.
“Playing the game of cricket has always been a dream of mine but having the opportunity to represent your country is the ultimate,” he added in a statement. “Having had the privilege of doing it internationally for 12 years is simply beyond my wildest dreams.” It’s been a fantastic adventure that I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of.
“As the saying goes, ‘all good things must come to an end,’ and the Indian home series will be my final, as I have decided to retire from our beautiful game.” A game that has taught me a lot. My last test will be in Cape Town. My favorite stadium in the planet. “This is the spot where I scored my first Test run against New Zealand, and hopefully my last.”
Elgar made his Test and ODI debuts in 2012, but it was in the longer format that he thrived. So far, the 36-year-old has 5146 runs in 84 Tests, including 13 centuries and 23 fifties.
Among his strongest Test innings was the 199 he struck against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom in 2017 – Elgar’s highest Test score to date. His 160 against India in Visakhapatnam in 2019 against Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin demonstrated that he was the guy for any situation.
Elgar was also instrumental in South Africa’s 3-1 series victory against Australia at home in 2018, scoring 333 runs in three matches. He batted first in the third Test at Cape Town, scoring 141* as the Proteas won the series 3-1.
His batting performances earned him the leadership of the Test team in 2021. South Africa placed third in the ICC World Test Championship in the 2021-23 cycle, with series victories at home against India and the West Indies and a drawn away series against New Zealand.
“I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to represent my country and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.” “It’s without a doubt the best learning experience of my life,” Elgar added.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Cricket South Africa for believing in me from a young age and for the honor of representing my country.” I am very appreciative for the possibilities I’ve had since U18.
“To former coaches and teammates.” You all have played a significant part in shaping me into the cricketer I am today, both on and off the field, and all of this will live on in my mind with great affection.
“To my present teammates, please know that you are all a part of me. So many amazing moments have been shared with you all. Thank you everyone very much, and best wishes for the remainder of your careers. Always raise the flag high and serve as role models. Take full responsibility for representing yourself and the country.
“Finally, to those of you out there who are fans and supporters. You’ve all played a vital role in my profession. You are still there to cheer me on despite my ups and downs. For this, I shall be eternally thankful, and I will cherish the wonderful days I had with you all.”
The first Test will take place on Boxing Day at the Centurion, followed by the second on January 3 in Capetown.