Cricket enthusiasts around the world are gearing up for an emotional farewell as South African cricketer Dean Elgar has announced his retirement after the upcoming Test series against India at home. The series, set to commence on December 26, 2023, will mark the end of an illustrious career that spanned over a decade. In this article, we delve into the cricketing journey of Dean Elgar, from his early days to his impressive records and contributions to the sport.
About Dean Elgar
Born on June 11, 1987, in Welkom, Orange Free State, Dean Elgar has made a significant mark in the cricketing world. At 36 years and 194 days, he has had a career filled with accomplishments and memorable moments.
Elgar’s left-handed batting style and slow left-arm orthodox bowling have made him a distinctive figure in the cricketing arena. Primarily known for his role as an opening batter, Elgar has been a stalwart presence at the top of the order for the South African cricket team.
Dean Elgar’s Debut
Dean Elgar made his Test debut against Australia at Perth on November 30, 2012, and has since been a consistent performer for the national team. His last Test match was against West Indies at Johannesburg on March 8-11, 2023. In ODIs, he made his debut against England at Cardiff on August 24, 2012, with his final ODI appearance against Zimbabwe at Bloemfontein on October 3, 2018.
Elgar’s first-class cricket journey began on February 23-25, 2006, in a match between Free State and Northerns. His last first-class match was against Titans at Centurion on December 14-17, 2023. In List A matches, Elgar made his debut on February 26, 2006, playing for Northerns against Free State. His last List A match was against Titans at Johannesburg on October 22, 2023. The T20 format saw Elgar’s debut on March 26, 2008, and he played his last T20 match for Titans against W Province on October 21, 2022.
Debut and Last Matches of Dean Elgar:
Test Matches:
- Debut: Australia vs South Africa at Perth – November 30 – December 03, 2012
- Last: South Africa vs West Indies at Johannesburg – March 08 – 11, 2023
ODI Matches:
- Debut: England vs South Africa at Cardiff – August 24, 2012
- Last: South Africa vs Zimbabwe at Bloemfontein – October 03, 2018
First-Class (FC) Matches:
- Debut: Free State vs Northerns at Pretoria – February 23 – 25, 2006
- Last: Titans vs Warriors at Centurion – December 14 – 17, 2023
List A Matches:
- Debut: Northerns vs Free State at Pretoria – February 26, 2006
- Last: Titans vs LIONS at Johannesburg – October 22, 2023
T20 Matches:
- Debut: Eagles vs Zimbabwe at Bloemfontein – March 26, 2008
- Last: Titans vs W Province at Potchefstroom – October 21, 2022
Dean Elgar’s Stats
Dean Elgar’s contribution with the bat has been substantial across formats. In Tests, he has played 84 matches, accumulating 5146 runs at an average of 37.28, including 13 centuries and 23 half-centuries. His first-class career boasts an impressive 16475 runs with 47 centuries and 68 half-centuries.
In ODIs, Elgar played 8 matches, scoring 104 runs at an average of 17.33. His list A career includes 6264 runs at an average of 43.50. The T20 format witnessed Elgar amassing 2028 runs at an average of 33.80.
Dean Elgar’s fielding prowess is evident in his records, having secured 91 catches in Tests and a total of 207 catches across formats.
Batting & Fielding Records:
| Format | Matches | Innings | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 84 | 149 | 11 | 5146 | 199 | 37.28 | 10860 | 47.38 | 13 | 23 | 654 | 26 | 91 | 0 |
| ODIs | 8 | 7 | 1 | 104 | 42 | 17.33 | 177 | 58.75 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| FC | 243 | 427 | 31 | 16475 | 268 | 41.60 | 33008 | 49.91 | 47 | 68 | 2118 | 78 | 207 | 0 |
| List A | 178 | 171 | 27 | 6264 | 137 | 43.50 | 7685 | 81.50 | 10 | 45 | 474 | 91 | 54 | 0 |
| T20s | 82 | 77 | 17 | 2028 | 88* | 33.80 | 1826 | 111.06 | 0 | 11 | 145 | 53 | 35 | 0 |
Elgar took on the role of South Africa’s Test captain in March 2021, leading the team with distinction. His leadership qualities and cricketing acumen have left an indelible mark on the team.
For Which Teams Has Dean Elgar Played?
Throughout his career, Elgar has showcased his talent while representing various teams, including South Africa, Eagles, Free State, Gloucestershire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, South Africa A, Surrey, and Titans. His versatility and adaptability have made him a valuable asset for any team he played for.
Noteworthy Records
Dean Elgar stands among a select few players with over 5000 runs and 50 fielding dismissals in Test cricket, underlining his all-round skills on the field.
As Dean Elgar prepares to bid farewell to international cricket after the Test series against India, cricket fans will remember him not just for his statistical accomplishments but also for his dedication, leadership, and the indomitable spirit he brought to the game. The retirement of this cricketing stalwart marks the end of an era, and fans worldwide will cherish the memories he leaves behind.
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