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In a momentous decision, seasoned South African opener Dean Elgar has announced his retirement from international cricket post the India Tests, concluding a remarkable career spanning over 12 years. The cricket maestro, who featured in more than 80 Tests, has left an indelible mark as one of the modern-day greats of the format.
Expressing his gratitude, Elgar conveyed his immense fortune in realizing his dream of being a cricketer and representing his nation. In a statement to Cricket South Africa, he said, "Playing the game of cricket has always been a dream of mine, but having the opportunity to represent your country is the ultimate! 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."
Elgar's swansong in the Proteas' white jersey will be at the Cape Town Test in Newlands, commencing on January 3. Fondly reminiscing, he added, "The Cape Town Test will be my last. My favorite stadium in the world. A place I scored my first Test run against New Zealand and hopefully my last too.”
The decision reportedly followed discussions with South Africa's Test coach Shukri Conrad, who outlined future team plans that did not include Elgar. As the eighth-highest run-scorer in South Africa's Test history with 5146* runs, Elgar leaves a significant void in the team.
With Elgar's departure, South Africa faces the challenge of finding a new Test opener, especially for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand. With key players participating in the SA20 League and skipping the Test series, Elgar's experience would have been invaluable.
There are indications that Titans' batter Neil Brand might lead South Africa in the Test series, with Tony de Zorzi stepping in as the opener. Brand and de Zorzi have previously opened for South Africa A against West Indies A in a recent series.
Elgar, who made his international debut in 2012, earned his place during South Africa's prime Test ranking. Despite a pair on his Test debut, he quickly rebounded, scoring a century in his third Test. Over his illustrious career, Elgar accumulated 12 more centuries, with a hundred against every Test-playing nation except Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
The first Test of the upcoming series will take place at Centurion on Boxing Day (Dec 26), marking the beginning of a new era for South African cricket without the stalwart Dean Elgar.
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