Dean Elgar: The Cape Town Test will be my last

Dean Elgar cricketDean Elgar.

Proteas batsman Dean Elgar will retire from international cricket early next year.

Elgar’s international career will end after January 2024‘s Test against India at Newlands in Cape Town.

He has played 84 Tests and eight ODIs since debuting for the Proteas in 2012. Elgar captained the Test XI from May 2021 to January 2023.

“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 will always be thankful for. It is most definitely been the best learning experience of my life.”

“To my dad, mom and my brother – wow, it has 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.

“To my mates – you know who you are. You guys have always been there for me, whether it was for a chat, a beer or a braai, you all have a special place in my heart. A big thank you all, you have no idea how much it has meant to me.

“I also want to take 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 under-18 to date.

“The Free State Cricket Union (Eagles and Knights) and Northerns Cricket Union (Titans) – a big thanks for the opportunity to play for the respected teams. Great memories, a lot of trophies in the cabinet and unbelievable memories have been created with amazing team-mates.

“To former coaches and former team-mates – you all have played a big role in making me the cricketer I am today, from on-field memories and off-field moments, all of this will always be in my memory with great fondness.

“To my current team- mates – guys, you are all a part of me. There have been so many unforgettable memories shared with you all. A big thanks goes to you all and a big good luck for the rest of your careers. Always fly 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 all have played an important part 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 great times with you all. For now, I look forward to the series coming up and am excited about what the future holds for me.”

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What Cricket South Africa said about Elgar

CSA chief executive officer Pholetsi Moseki said: “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 all South Africans can relate to.”

CSA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe added: “Dean 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 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. Thank you, Dean, for all the memories.”

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