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South Africa opener Dean Elgar may be announcing his retirement from Test cricket following the Proteas’ upcoming two-match series against India. According to the Rapport newspaper, the 36-year-old cricketer is reportedly of the opinion that he does not feature in the long-term plans of SA coach Shukri Conrad.
Dean Elgar unhappy with Cricket South Africa
Dean Elgar, currently the leading run-scorer in the ongoing 4-Day Domestic Series, has amassed an impressive 402 runs in six innings for the Titans at an average of 80.40 this season. Despite his consistent performances in domestic cricket, recent discussions between Elgar’s camp and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have apparently left the veteran cricketer dissatisfied.
The seasoned batter, expected to lead a weakened Proteas side in a two-Test series against New Zealand in February 2024, may reconsider his position if he feels sidelined in the national team’s plans. It has been suggested that Elgar’s discussions with CSA, particularly with Test coach Conrad, did not go as smoothly as anticipated.
Sources close to the matter have hinted at the possibility of Elgar announcing his retirement soon. The Rapport newspaper quoted an insider saying, “Just expect the news [of his retirement] to break soon.”
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Neil Brand might replace Dean Elgar in SA Test squad
In the event of Elgar’s departure, Conrad is reportedly contemplating Neil Brand, the captain of South Africa A, as an opening batter for the New Zealand series. Tony de Zorzi might be considered as Brand’s partner at the top of the order.
When questioned about Elgar’s potential retirement and the alleged strain in their relationship, coach Conrad, who replaced Elgar with Temba Bavuma as Proteas Test captain in February this year, strongly denied any knowledge of Elgar’s future plans. Conrad also refuted rumours of a souring relationship and maintained that he knows nothing about Elgar’s intentions.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await official statements from Elgar and Cricket South Africa, the uncertainty surrounding the left-handed batter’s future in Test cricket adds an unexpected layer of intrigue to the Proteas’ upcoming series against India.
