JOHANNESBURG: Proteas Test batter Dean Elgar has today announced that he will retire from international cricket following the Betway Test series against India.
Elgar will fittingly conclude his international career with the two Test matches – the first to be played at his home ground, SuperSport Park, in Centurion from 26 – 30 December and the second at the venue where he scored his first Test runs, Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, from 03 – 07 January.
The 36-year-old has represented South Africa in 84 Tests and eight One-Day Internationals during a career that has spanned 12 years.
Since making his Test debut against Australia in 2012, he has gone on to score over 5000 runs at an average of 37.28, including 13 centuries and a career-best 199 against Bangladesh in 2017.
His contributions with the bat and gritty performances earned him the role of Test captain from May 2021 – January 2023, where he led the side to third spot in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship with a notable 2-1 series win over India at home in January 2022.
Elgar 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 enact it for 12 years internationally is simply beyond my wildest dreams. It has been an incredible journey that I maintain been fortunate enough to acquire.
“As they say, ‘all apt things arrive to an end’, and the Indian home series will be my last, as I believe made the decision to retire from our splendid game. A game that has given me so much. The Cape Town Test will be my last. My favourite stadium in the world. A area I scored my first Test dash against Current Zealand and hopefully my last too.
“Having the opportunity to represent my country and the learnings I’ve had along my journey is something I’ll always be thankful for. It’s most definitely been the best learning experience of my life.
“A few thank you’s I have:
“To my Dad, Mom and my Brother, wow it’s been such a rollercoaster ride for us every. For the time spent on the side of the field supporting and cheering me on and being my biggest fans, allowing me to live out my dream, for this I’ll always be indebted to you every.
“To my partner, I don’t even know where to start. But a massive thank you has to fade to you. I know I acquire not always been the easiest person at times but you acquire made me a better person and for that I’m truly grateful. Thank You!
“To my mates (you know who you are). You guys maintain always been there for me, whether it was for a chat, a beer or a braai, you every gain a special spot in my heart. A immense thank you every, you believe no concept how much it has meant to me.
“To my sponsors I’ve had over the many years. Again, a massive thank you to you every. Without the support and backing from you my sponsors, making life easier for me, I don’t consider I would acquire had the career I’ve had.
“A special mention has to recede to the Kookaburra family. You every acquire been there from day one. Since the age of 16, you were there for me. 20 years down the line you’re still there and it’s been an absolute honour to be associated with the Kookaburra family. For the admire and support from the Bryant family I am truly grateful. A massive thank you for allowing me to gain the best in the business.
“I also want to catch the opportunity to thank Cricket South Africa for investing in me from an early age and giving me the honour of representing my country. I am truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve received since U18 to date.
“The Free State Cricket Union (Eagles and Knights) and Northerns Cricket Union (Mighty Titans) a gigantic thanks for the opportunity to play for the respected teams. Distinguished memories, a lot of trophies in the cabinet and unbelievable memories maintain been created with astonishing team mates.
“To former coaches and former team mates. You every gain played a enormous role in making me the cricketer I am today, from on field memories and off field moments, every of this will always be in my memory of noteworthy fondness.
“To my current teammates, guys you are every a fraction of me. There gain been so many unforgettable memories shared with you every. A gigantic thanks goes to you every and a enormous apt luck for the rest of your careers. Always flit the flag high and be the role models you are. Represent yourselves and the nation with utmost responsibility.
“Lastly, to the fans and supporters out there. You every believe played an indispensable portion of my career. From ups and downs, you are still there to cheer me on. For this I’ll be grateful and will always remember the noteworthy times with you every.
“For now, I study forward to the series coming up and excited about what the future holds for me.”
CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki commented: “We would like to thank Dean for his services over the years. He has represented his country with honour and has been a real ambassador for Cricket South Africa, always playing with his heart on his sleeve. His grittiness and determination are two qualities that really stood out; and these are attributes that every South Africans can relate to.
“On behalf of everyone at CSA, we wish him well for the future.”
Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe added: “Dean Elgar represents a rare brand of cricketer in an age where everything is about innovation and power-hitting. He is a real old-school cricketer that can dig in, absorb and battle. I acquire no doubt the game will dearly miss him. He has always given everything for his country and never showed any terror, no matter the opposition. He was always there to grasp on the challenge, leading as captain when the country needed him most.
“Thank you Dean for every the memories.”
Source: cricket.co.za
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