South African left-handed batsman Dean Elgar retired from all formats of Cricket. He played his last test match against India. Dean Elgar’s Career Highlight remained his test cricket contributions for South Africa. However, since his debut, Dean Elgar has contributed significantly to South African cricket, especially test cricket.
Dean Elgar became the backbone of the South African test team’s batting after the retirement of Ab Devilliers, Hashim Amla, and Faf Du Plessis. Elgar played many crucial innings for South Africa in test cricket, which became Dean Elgar’s Career Highlight.
Debut and Batting Stats
Dean Elgar’s Career Highlight began with his test debut for South Africa in 2012. He is the 8th highest runs scorer for South Africa in test cricket. In his 12 years of test career, Elgar made 5347 runs for South Africa. Elgar scored 14 centuries and 23 fifties for South Africa in test cricket. He also took 15 Wickets for South Africa in test cricket. Elgar made his ODI debut for South Africa in 2012.
Dean Elgar did not play much ODI cricket for South Africa. He scored 104 runs in 8 matches. He was also used as a part-time bowler for South Africa in ODIs. Elgar got 2 wickets for South Africa in his ODI career. Elgar did not play any T20 internationals for South Africa.
Dean Elgar’s Captaincy Record
Dean Elgar proved his worth as captain for South Africa in test cricket. He led South Africa in 18 test matches. Out of these 18 matches, South Africa won 9 matches, lost 8, and one match ended in a draw. Dean Elgar is 4th best test captain for South Africa with a win percentage of 50% (min 15 matches). Elgar won 3 test series as captain for South Africa.
Dean Elgar scored 849 runs as test captain for South Africa. He scored 5 fifties as test captain for South Africa. Elgar’s highest score for South Africa as captain is 96*, which he scored against India in 2022. He was again made Captain for the Last Test of Freedom Trophy accidentally due to Bavuma’s injury. Africa lost the match to level the series although we predicted Victory for South Africa in our India vs South Africa Series predictions.
Personal Achievements of Dean Elgar
Dean Elgar played for South Africa for more than 10 years. He was one of the best openers in test cricket for South Africa. Dean Elgar achieved many personal achievements during his cricketing career for South Africa.
Carry the Bat through the Innings
The 36-year-old South African batsman Dean Elgar equaled a record of carrying a bat through the innings when he carried his bat through a completed inning, and his team was bowled out for 311 in a Test match against Australia. Dean Elgar played unbeaten innings of 141* runs with 20 fours and a six. Elgar batted for 434 minutes in this inning to achieve a respectable total for his team.
Elgar achieved this milestone 3 times in his career. Dean Elgar equalled the record of Desmond Haynes for Carrying the bat 3 times in test cricket.
Test Career of 5000 Runs and 50 catches
Fielding always made a massive difference in a cricket match. South Africa is known for its excellent fielding abilities in international Cricket. Therefore, Elgar was among the best fielders in the South African test team. He took many crucial catches for South Africa in test cricket. Dean Elgar holds the record of scoring 5000 runs and took 50 catches in test cricket. Dean Elgar became 6th player for South Africa to achieve this milestone.
Pair on Debut Record
If he did not get a chance again, Dean Elgar’s career highlight would be his pair of zero runs in his debut match. Dean Elgar has one record on his chest that he does not want to have in his career. Dean Elgar got a pair on debut record when he got out on a duck in his debut match. In 2012, when Dean Elgar made his test debut for South Africa against Australia in Perth, he achieved this record by scoring 0 runs in both innings.
Dean Elgar has a great career for South Africa although could not get as many opportunities as he deserved because top players like AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, and JP Duminy were present. However, playing regularly and captaining the test team will always remain Dean Elgar’s Career Highlight.
