By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Proteas captain Dean Elgar on Friday announced his retirement from international cricket at the conclusion of the upcoming two-test series against India, commencing in Centurion on December 26.
Elgar (36) made his debut in 2012 and has played 84 Tests. The left-handed batter has scored 5,146 runs at 37.28 with 13 centuries and 23 fifties.
His contributions with the bat and gritty performances earned him the role of Test captain between May 2021 and January 2023, when he led the side to third place in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship.
“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 on Friday.
“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.”
Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Pholetsi Moseki thanked Elgar for his services to the national squad.
“Dean has represented his country with honour and has been a real ambassador for CSA, always playing with his heart on his sleeve,” Moseki said.
Director of cricket Enoch Nkwe added that in the current age of power-hitting, “he is a real old-school cricketer that can dig in, absorb and fight. I have no doubt the game will dearly miss him.
“He has always given everything for his country and never showed any fear, no matter the opposition. He was always there to take on the challenge, leading as captain when the country needed him most,” Nkwe added.