Dean Elgar, the opener, will play his final international match in South Africa’s two-match series against India. The 36-year-old has chosen to end his 11-year international career after the second Test in Cape Town, according to a statement released by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday, December 22.
It’s always been my goal to play cricket, but getting the chance to represent your nation is the greatest!” Dean Elgar mentioned as much in his remarks.
“It is literally beyond my wildest thoughts that I have had the honor of doing it abroad for 12 years. I have had the great fortune to go on this amazing adventure. The Indian Home series will be my last since, as they say, “all good things come to an end.” I have decided to retire from our lovely game. A game I’ve benefited from so much. This will be my final Cape Town test. The stadium of my dreams worldwide. Against New Zealand, it was there that I scored my first Test run—and perhaps my last—and the southpaw continued.
In an ODI against England at the Sophia Gardens in August 2012, Elgar made his Proteas debut. With just eight ODIs played throughout his career, the talented hitter was unable to leave his impact. But Elgar showed his grit with some remarkable blows in the game’s longest format. Both professionals and fans praised him for his tenacity and resolve.
Dean Elgar has averaged 37.02 in 84 Test matches, amassing 5,146 runs. In the sport’s purest form, he has amassed 23 half-centuries and 13 centuries. On Tuesday, December 26, in Centurion, the first Test match between South Africa and India will begin. Wednesday, January 3, is the start of the second Test in Cape Town, which will be Elgar’s farewell match.