AFM
Proteas test batsman Dean Elgar says he will call it quits on international cricket following the Betway Test series against India.
In a statement on Thursday, Cricket South Africa said Elgar will fittingly end his international career with the two Test matches, with the first to be played at his home ground, SuperSport Park, in Centurion from 26 - 30 December.
He will also feature in the second test at Newlands, where he scored his first test runs, from 03 - 07 January.
CSA said the 36-year-old has represented South Africa in 84 tests and eight one-day internationals during a 22-year career.
"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," CSA 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," Elgar said.
"It has been an incredible journey that I have been fortunate enough to have.
"As they say, 'all good things come to an end', and the Indian home series will be my last, as I have made the decision to retire from our beautiful game. A game that has given me so much".
The Dean
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 22, 2023
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????Pure Elegance
????Pure Grit
You left it all on the field and for that we SALUTE you ????????
Read more - https://t.co/C24G3bsE3e#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/E14tEa1Qas
Cricket SA CEO Pholetsi Moseki thanked Elgar 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 all South Africans can relate to," he said.
CSA cricket director, Enoch Nkwe said Elgar represented "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 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," he added.
