Dean Elgar, a gritty left-handed opener, exemplifies the resilience and reliability that South Africa needed during a tumultuous period both on and off the field. His playing style, reminiscent of the likes of Kepler Wessels, Gary Kirsten, and Graeme Smith, brought stability to South Africa’s batting lineup.
Despite an impressive first-class record, Elgar faced a challenging start to his Test career in 2012, with a pair in Perth. However, he quickly bounced back, showcasing his determination. Dean Elgar showcased his resilience with an unbeaten innings of 103 against New Zealand in Port Elizabeth. His true breakthrough came when he assumed the opening role alongside Graeme Smith, taking on the physical and verbal challenges that came with it, especially after Smith’s retirement.
Dean Elgar’s noteworthy achievements include his century in Galle in 2014, a historic feat as the first by a South African opener in Sri Lanka. Between 2016 and 2021, he distinguished himself as the leading run-scorer among openers in Test cricket; Dean Elgar accumulated over 3000 runs at an average of 41 during the period from 2016 to 2021.
Some of his standout performances during this period include a commanding innings of 199 against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom, showcasing his batting prowess. In Cape Town, amidst the infamous ball-tampering scandal involving Australia, Elgar displayed resilience by scoring an unbeaten century. Another memorable inning was his bold knock of 160 in Visakhapatnam against India, where he fearlessly took on the spin challenge presented by R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
In March 2021, Elgar took on the mantle of South Africa’s Test captain, succeeding Quinton de Kock. His leadership coincided with a period of racial tensions in South African cricket and a decline in the team’s rankings. However, in his first year as captain, Elgar led the team to several victories in the West Indies and at home against India, along with a commendable draw in New Zealand. Under his captaincy, South Africa began to rebuild and regain stability in the international arena.
| FULL NAME | Dean Elgar |
|---|---|
| NICKNAME | Deano, Alfie |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Welkom, Orange Free State Province, South Africa |
| BORN | 11 June 1987 |
| HEIGHT | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| EYE COLOUR | Black |
| JERSEY NO. | 64 (ICC) |
| BATTING STYLE | Left-hand Bat |
| BOWLING STYLE | Slow Left arm Orthodox |
| FATHER | Richard Elgar |
| MOTHER | Denise Peart |
| ZODIAC SIGN | Gemini |
| HOBBIES | Watching golf |
| COLLEGE | St. Dominic’s College, Welkom |
Dean Elgar Career & Biography
Dean Elgar is a prominent South African cricketer known for his gritty, left-handed batting and leadership skills. Born on June 11, 1987, in Welkom, Orange Free State, South Africa, Elgar has made significant contributions to South African cricket over the years.
Early Life and Domestic Career
Dean Elgar initiated his cricketing career in the domestic circuit, swiftly earning recognition for his sturdy technique and composed temperament. His standout displays in first-class cricket, with an average nearing 60 during the period between 2010 and 2011, served as the catalyst for his ascent into the international cricket arena.
Test Debut and Early Challenges
Elgar made his Test debut for South Africa in November 2012, initially batting in the middle order. However, he faced a challenging start, scoring a pair in Perth. Undeterred, he bounced back with an unbeaten century (103*) against New Zealand in Port Elizabeth, signalling the resilience that would become characteristic of his career.
Establishing as an Opener
Elgar found his true calling when he moved up the batting order to open alongside Graeme Smith. Enduring physical and verbal challenges, he made the opening role his own after Smith’s retirement. His century in Galle in 2014, the first by a South African opener in Sri Lanka, highlighted his ability to overcome weaknesses, especially against spin.
Leading Run-scorer among Openers
From 2016 to 2021, Elgar emerged as the leading run-scorer among openers in Test cricket. His impressive tally of over 3000 runs at an average of 41 included notable innings like a commanding 199 against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom, an unbeaten century in Cape Town during the ball-tampering scandal involving Australia, and a bold 160 in Visakhapatnam against India.
Captaincy and Leadership
In March 2021, Dean Elgar took on the role of South Africa’s Test captain, succeeding Quinton de Kock. His captaincy came during a challenging period for South African cricket, marked by racial tensions and a decline in rankings. However, Elgar’s leadership proved instrumental as he guided the team to series wins in the West Indies and at home against India, along with a commendable draw in New Zealand during his first year in charge.
International Debut of Dean Elgar
- Test – November 30 2012 against Australia at Perth
- ODI – August 24 2012 against England at Cardiff
- T20I – March 26 2008 against Zimbabwe at Bloemfontein
Dean Elgar Salary & Net worth
- salary per year: 1,480,358,507.00
- Net worth: $8 Million
Dean Elgar played Matches & Highest Score
| Format | Mat | HS |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 8 | 42 |
| FC | 244 | 268 |
| List A | 178 | 137 |
| T20 | 82 | 88* |
