Dean Elgar could retire from Test cricket after India series, says report

Veteran South Africa batter Dean Elgar could announce retirement from Test cricket after the two-Test series against India that starts later in December.  According to South African newspaper Rapport, Elgar is considering making the retirement call since he believes he is no longer in Test coach Shukri Conrads plans for the near future.

“Just expect the news [of his retirement] to break soon,” a source was quoted as saying by Rapport.

In February, Temba Bavuma had replaced Elgar as South Africa Test skipper. Elgar was also reportedly set to lead a depleted South Africa team in a Test series against New Zealand in February. South Africa will be without several key players for that series, since they would be taking part in the SA20 tournament around the same time. However, talks between Cricket South Africa and Elgar did not go well as expected.

Neil Brand, South Africa ‘A’ captain, could be considered as an opener against New Zealand by Conrad. Should Elgar retire after the series against India, Tony de Zorzi could open with Brand against the Kiwis.

“In my past, I haven’t been given a lot of credit for what I have done. I don’t think there is a big relationship between me and South African cricket fans. A lot of time, what I have done has been brushed under the carpet. People forget that you need cricketers like me in every team,” Elgar was quoted as saying by The Indian Express in 2018.

“I have found a way of dealing with the reactions, and creating a vibe around myself. Because I don’t play in the IPL. IPL players get a lot more credit and so be it. They deserve it. So I am not a big person to really let go and enjoy people kissing my arse for doing something what I am supposed to do!,” he had added.

Elgar has played 84 Tests for the Proteas so far, having scored 5146 runs at an average of 37.28.