In the quiet moments preceding the Boxing Day Test between India and South Africa, Dean Elgar silently strolled into the Supersport Park’s main reception gate. The unsuspecting Indian media waiting for accreditation cards had no inkling of the impending announcement that was to shake them up.
Elgar would retire from international cricket at the end of this series.
In a subsequent encounter with Indian reporters at the same spot the following day, Elgar’s resolute personality shone through. Amid off-the-record conversations, a senior reporter suggested, “Maybe a century to end your Test career?” With a subtle wink, Elgar responded, “Watch out for it.”
True to his words, the opener’s bat spoke eloquently on Day 2 of the Centurion Test. Elgar capitalised on every opportunity, crafting a memorable century. The bowling was lacklustre at times and the 36-year-old was not going to miss out. Centurion witnessed an emotional farewell, as the local boy played his final Test at the Supersport Park, ending the day with an unbeaten 140. It was his first Test century at his home ground.
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Elgar’s career might not boast a 50-plus Test average, and he may not be hailed as one of the greatest, but there’s something undeniably unique about this left-handed batter. He has doggedness.
Shukri Conrad, South Africa’s Test coach, captured it perfectly in the lead-up to the Test, stating, “Dean epitomises what a South African cricketer and almost what a South African person is about: resilience, dogfight, pride in performance, and that ability to never back down.”
His Test journey, which began in 2012, coincided with South Africa’s dominance as the best Test team globally. Facing challenges and taking body blows, Elgar emerged as a pillar of strength, post and during the period of some stalwarts like Hashim Amla, Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, and Jacques Kallis.
Elgar’s career is dotted with milestones — 199 against Bangladesh in 2017, facing over 200 balls in both innings against New Zealand in 2017, carrying his bat twice (2017, 2018), and a record-tying unbeaten 141 against Australia in 2018.
The thunderous ton against India at Centurion to close the year may be one of his finest.
As Conrad took over as Test coach, Elgar relinquished the captaincy to Temba Bavuma. However, destiny intervened, and Elgar found himself leading the side in the first Test against India following Bavuma’s injury.
If Bavuma misses the second Test in Cape Town, Elgar might captain one last time, a script seemingly written in the stars.
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