Cricket

Markram pays tribute to Elgar: ‘He’s been fantastic’

The 36-year-old Elgar has known as time on his worldwide profession, having performed 86 Tests for South Africa.

Fellow opening batter Aiden Markram has paid tribute to the now retired Dean Elgar, who performed his 86th and final Test this week.

Elgar scored 4 and 12 in his ultimate Test at Newlands in opposition to India, however within the first Test of the collection, in Centurion, he scored an impressive 185, to be named joint man of the collection with India’s Jasprit Bumrah.

The 36-year-old bows out of the Test area with a median of 37.92 and South Africa’s eighth highest run-scorer with 5,347 runs with 14 centuries and 23 half-centuries. His highest rating was 199.

Elgar additionally had the honour of captaining his nation in his ultimate Test, standing in for the injured Temba Bavuma, whereas he held the full-time captaincy in 2021 and 2022.

‘Leaves big hole’

Markram, who was the one batter within the Newlands Test to rating something of actual substance with the bat (106 in his staff’s second innings), mentioned he was unhappy to see Elgar go.

“He’s the kind of guy you want in your dressing room and we’ll probably only realise that (his value) now that he’s no longer going to be around,” mentioned Markram.

“He leaves a giant gap (within the Proteas staff) and it’s unhappy to see him go.

“But, he’s been a fantastic servant of his country, he worse his heart on his sleeve and never gave in.”

Elgar was already a grizzled Test veteran by the point Markram made his Test debut in 2017, having himself obtained into the Test staff in 2012 with a pair of geese in his first match. He went on to be a mainstay on the prime of the order over the subsequent 12 years, displaying grit and dedication and struggle, a participant who valued his wicket.

“He’s been fantastic,” mentioned Markram about Elgar.

“He took me under his wing from the first day (I was in the squad), eight years ago. He’s a tough character, and he’s not shy about having an honest conversation.”

‘Amazing memories’

Elgar has in latest occasions spoken out in regards to the lack of Test matches for the Proteas and known as on directors to do extra to save Test cricket within the face of T20 cricket’s progress world wide.

While Elgar performed 86 Tests and simply eight ODIs he by no means performed T20 cricket for South Africa, although he has a home T20 common of 33.80 and strike charge of 111.

Speaking after the second Test in opposition to India at Newlands, Elgar mentioned he’d loved his time representing South Africa on the cricket pitches world wide.

“Bit of a journey and amazing memories with the baggy green, so special,” mentioned the left-hander.

Elgar is predicted to proceed enjoying for the Titans, whereas Essex in England are allegedly additionally wanting to signal the opener, to fill the void left by the retirement of Alastair Cook.


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