Want To Go Out Big But Have Nothing To Prove: Dean Elgar

Though Dean Elgar’s display of batsmanship on Wednesday was utterly uncharacteristic, the stodgy left-hander is more interested in sending off international cricket with a boom than in proving a point to anybody. Elgar, playing in his farewell Test match, believed it was all about enjoying a day that was his own. His unbeaten 140, studded with 23 boundaries, had put South Africa against India in a dominant position on the second day. I don’t believe I was trying to make a point. In the fourteenth century, Elgar remarked, “I just wanted to go out with a bang because that is the standard I set for myself, as there’s no looking back now.”

Elgar concluded that because there was no sunshine, which may have caused the surface to fracture but instead kept it solid, the track was now better for batting. “It was a pretty nice wicket to bat on. It would have been more difficult if there had been more sunlight. That’s exactly how I’ve always done things. Maybe another batter on a different day.” Elgar, who is usually renowned for his unwavering defensive strategy, desired to seek to score runs. “You have to have a scoring mentality, but you also need to be defensive and leave balls. One ball has your name written on it; jags back. You are in a better position to make wise choices and take advantage of overpitch balls when you are trying to score.” He was full of admiration for debutant David Bedingham, who plays county cricket on a challenging Durham track and is a 29-year-old first-class cricket veteran. You consider him to be a child. He has played county cricket for Durham and first-class cricket, which gives him a great deal of experience. He has long-form playing experience. Bedingham adjusted to the test quite well, according to Elgar.

Elgar gave youthful players Tony de Zorzi (with whom he shared 93 runs for the second wicket) and Bedingham (133 for the fourth wicket) the following advice: “You need to be consistent and simplify your gameplan and still look to score.” A rather simple message: go past Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, two bowlers, and capitalize on balls that may be scored on.” For the child from the area, celebrating his centennial at Centurion was an incredible day that he would never forget. The fact that I don’t have a test hundred at Centurion made it a unique day. Knowing that this was my final international match at this location, my family and friends were present. Elgar stated, “It was obviously a gesture of gratitude to them.” Has it finally hit you that there is only one more game left after this? Right now, the team’s good position is the main priority. The reality will set in, as Elgar suggested, possibly closer to the end of the Cape Town Test. Maybe I should have a drink, reflect, and ponder. But for the time being, everything is aimed at teaching the youth what expectations they must meet.”