After the two-match Test series against India at home, former South Africa captain Dean Elgar is scheduled to retire.
At the conclusion of the Test series against India at home, Elgar will complete his 11-year international career. Elgar’s swansong is scheduled for Newlands, where he scored his first Test runs, and he will play his farewell Test at his home ground of the Centurion.
Elgar made a statement saying, “Being able to represent your country is the ultimate, but playing the game of cricket has always been a dream of mine.” It’s just beyond my wildest hopes that I got to do it globally for 12 years. I have had the great fortune to go on an amazing trip.
“All good things must come to an end, and this Indian home series will be my last because I have decided to give up playing our lovely game. A game that has greatly benefitted me. My final test will be the Cape Town one. My all-time favorite stadium on earth. It was there that I scored my first, and hopefully my final, Test run against New Zealand.”
Elgar, a southpaw, debuted in Tests and ODIs in 2012, but he was most successful in the longest format. In 84 Test matches thus far, the 36-year-old has amassed 5146 runs, which includes 13 hundreds and 23 fifties.
Elgar’s century against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom in 2017 stands as one of his best innings in Test cricket; it’s his greatest score to date. He demonstrated he was the man for every situation with his 160 against India in Visakhapatnam in 2019—against players like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Elgar, who hit 333 runs in three games against Australia in 2018, was also a key player in South Africa’s 3-1 series victory at home. In the third Test in Cape Town, he made 141* off the bat as the Proteas went on to win the series 3-1.
In 2021, he was recognized for his batting prowess with the position as Test captain. In the 2021–2023 cycle, South Africa emerged third in the ICC World Test Championship under his direction, thanks to home series victories over India and the West Indies and a tie in the away series in New Zealand.
“I will always be grateful for the chance to represent my nation and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. It’s without a doubt the finest education I’ve ever had,” Elgar remarked.
“I would like to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to Cricket South Africa for their early support and for granting me the privilege of representing my nation. I sincerely appreciate all of the chances I’ve had since I was 18 years old.
“To past teammates and coaches. You guys have contributed significantly to my development as a cricket player; both on and off the field experiences will always hold a special place in my heart.
“To all of my present teammates: you guys are a part of who I am. I have so many treasured memories to share with you all. Many thanks and best wishes for the remainder of your careers to each and every one of you. Stay true to your values and continue to set an example for others. Treat both the country and yourself with the highest respect.
In Test matches, Elgar has amassed 13 centuries—100 runs or more in a single innings. In November 2012, Elgar made his Test debut at the Waca in Perth against Australis. In September 2018, he achieved his greatest Test score of 199 when playing Bangladesh at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. In Twenty20 International (T20I) and One Day International (ODI) matches, he has not struck a century.
The first Test is scheduled to start at the Centurion on Boxing Day, while the second Test is scheduled to start in Capetown on January 3.