IND vs SA 1st Test: Dean Elgar proud to have slammed maiden ton at Centurion in farewell series

Centurion, Dec 28: In a display that defied his traditional style of play, Dean Elgar showcased a sublime exhibition of batsmanship on the second day against India, guiding South Africa into a commanding position with an unbeaten 140.

The left-hander, playing in his penultimate Test match, expressed his focus on bidding adieu to international cricket with a memorable performance rather than attempting to prove a point to anyone.

Elgar's innings, embellished with 23 boundaries, demonstrated his intent to exit the cricketing stage with a resounding impact. In a post-match interview, he remarked, "I don't think I wanted to prove any point. Just that I wanted to go out with a bang as that is the standard I set for myself as there's no looking back now."

Known for his sturdy and defensive approach, Elgar adapted his mindset for this innings, emphasizing the importance of scoring runs. Reflecting on the pitch conditions, he noted that it had become better for batting due to the absence of strong sunshine, which could have resulted in cracks on the surface.

"It was quite a good wicket to bat on. Had there been more sun, it would have been tougher. It's just that it's been my way. Could have been another batter another day," Elgar explained.

Praising debutant David Bedingham, Elgar highlighted Bedingham's experience in first-class cricket and county cricket for Durham, describing how seamlessly he adapted to Test cricket. The pair's partnership of 133 for the fourth wicket played a crucial role in South Africa's dominant position.

When asked about his advice to younger teammates Tony de Zorzi and Bedingham, Elgar emphasized the need for consistency and simplification of the game plan. "You need to be consistent and simplify your game plan and still look to score," he stated, adding that the key was to capitalize on balls that could be scored off, especially against bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.

Elgar's century at Centurion, a venue close to his heart, was a special moment for the local boy. He expressed his joy, saying, "It was a special day as I don't have a Test hundred in Centurion. My family and friends were here knowing it is my last international fixture here. Obviously, it was a show of appreciation to them."

As Elgar approaches the end of his international career, he acknowledged that the reality of playing only one more game would sink in later. For now, his focus remains on putting the team in a strong position. "May be closer to when Cape Town Test is finished, reality will sink in. May be I will have a drink and look back and think. But right now, it's all showing the youngsters what standard they have to follow," Elgar concluded.

Dean Elgar's remarkable innings not only put South Africa in control of the match but also served as a fitting tribute to his illustrious international career. As he prepares for his final Test, Elgar's legacy as a tenacious and accomplished batsman will undoubtedly be remembered by cricket enthusiasts worldwide.