Dean Elgar will retire from international cricket following the Test series against India.
The Proteas opening batsman will end his international career with the two Tests – the first to be played at his home ground in Centurion from 26-30 December and the second at the venue where he scored his first Test runs, Newlands in Cape Town, from 3-7 January.
The 36-year-old has represented South Africa in 84 Tests and eight ODIs during a career that has spanned 12 years.
Since making his Test debut against Australia in 2012, he has gone on to score over 5,000 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 to January 2023, where he led the side to third place in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship with a notable 2-1 series win over India at home in January 2022.
“Playing the game of cricket has always been a dream of mine but having the opportunity to represent your country is the ultimate!” said Elgar. “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.
“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 Cape Town Test will be my last. My favourite stadium in the world. A place I scored my first Test run against New 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 yous I have: To my dad, mom and my brother, wow it’s been such a rollercoaster ride for us all. 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 all.
“To my partner, I don’t even know where to start. But a massive thank you has to go to you. I know I have not always been the easiest person at times but you have made me a better person and for that I’m truly grateful. Thank you!”
