[Saba Sports News] Dean Elgar, South Africa’s opening batsman, is set to retire from international cricket after the upcoming two-match series against India. Cricket South Africa announced on December 22 that Elgar, aged 36, will conclude his 11-year international career following the second Test in Cape Town.
“Playing the game of cricket has always been a dream of mine but having the opportunity to represent your country is the ultimate!” Elgar said in his statement.
In his statement, Elgar expressed his gratitude for fulfilling his dream of playing cricket, especially representing his country for 12 years, a journey he described as incredible and beyond his wildest dreams. He announced the home series against India would be his final one, with the Cape Town Test being his last match. Elgar holds a special connection to Cape Town, where he scored his first and, poignantly, hopes to score his last Test run.
“Having had the privilege to do it for 12 years internationally is simply beyond my wildest dreams. It has been an incredible journey that I have been fortunate enough to have. As they say, ‘all good things come to an end’, and the Indian home series will be my last, as I have made the decision to retire from our beautiful game. A game that has given me so much. The Cape Town Test will be my last. My favourite stadium in the world. A place I scored my first Test run against New Zealand and hopefully my last too,” he added.
Elgar’s international career began in August 2012 with an ODI debut against England at Sophia Gardens. Despite a limited impact in ODIs, he excelled in Test cricket, delivering several memorable performances that earned him praise from fans and experts alike.
Over his Test career, Elgar amassed 5,146 runs across 84 matches, averaging 37.02. His record includes 23 fifties and 13 centuries. The series opener against India is scheduled for December 26 in Centurion, with Elgar’s farewell Test in Cape Town beginning on January 3.