JOHANNESBURG: Dean Elgar will retire from international cricket at the end of the two-Test home series against India that starts on Tuesday, the former South Africa Test captain said.

The opening batter, who has played 84 Tests and eight ODIs, scoring 5,146 runs at an average of 37.28 in the longest format, including 13 centuries and a career-best 199 against Bangladesh in 2017, will play his last Test at the Newlands ground in Cape Town starting on Jan 3.

“Playing the game of cricket has always been a dream of mine but having the opportunity to represent your country is the ultimate,” the 36-year-old said.

“Having had the privilege to do it for 12 years internationally is simply beyond my wildest dreams. It has been an incredible journey.

“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.

“The Cape Town Test will be my last.” Media reports said his decision came after Elgar was told he was not part of coach Shukri Conrad’s long-term plans.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2023