(Image Source: Star Sports)
[Saba Sports News] The opening day of the second Test at Newlands, Cape Town, on January 3, between South Africa and India, was a dramatic one, with 23 wickets falling. South Africa, choosing to bat first, was quickly dismissed for just 55, with Mohammed Siraj achieving his best Test figures of 6/15. India responded but were all out for 153, with their last six wickets falling without adding a run.
Amid the intense cricket action, a touching moment unfolded when Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, asked his teammates to bow in respect to Dean Elgar after his dismissal in what was his final Test. Kohli personally embraced Elgar, while other Indian players, including Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rohit Sharma, showed their respect with handshakes and pats on the back. The crowd and the Indian support staff, led by head coach Rahul Dravid, gave Elgar a standing ovation as he made his last walk back to the pavilion.
Elgar concludes his Test career as South Africa’s eighth-highest run-scorer. In his 86 Tests, he amassed 5,347 runs at an average of 37.92, with 14 centuries and 23 fifties. Against India, he scored 1,012 runs in 15 Tests, averaging 40.48, including two centuries and four fifties. As captain, he led South Africa in 17 Tests (excluding the current one), securing nine wins, seven losses, and one draw.
By the end of the first day, South Africa was trailing India by 36 runs at 62/3, with Aiden Markram (36*) and David Bedingham (7*) at the crease.