South Africa opener Dean Elgar created history at the SuperSport Park, Centurion in his farewell Test series. On Day 2 of the Test series opener, Elgar became the first South Africa opener to score a century against India in Centurion. Aiden Markram held the previous record of 94 which he achieved in 2018.
Elgar also became the third South Africa opener to score a Test century against India at home. Herschelle Gibbs (196 and 107) had done it twice whereas Gary Kirsten was the first to achieve the feat in 1997.
Elgar also ended the century drought for South African batters against India at home. This is the first Test century by a Proteas batter against India in home conditions since 2014.
After Markram fell early on Day 2, Elgar and Tony de Zorzi shared a 93-partnership for the second wicket. This is South Africa's fifth-highest second-wicket partnership at home against India in the format.
He reached his half-century from 79 balls in the 23rd over. After Jasprit Bumrah struck twice in consecutive overs to dismiss De Zorzi and Keega Petersen, Elgar pushed the scoring rate with David Bedingham. In the 43rd over, he got to his century with a boundary off a no ball bowled by Shardul Thakur. It was followed by a wild celebration. This was Elgar's 14th Test century.
Elgar also equalled Gibbs' record for scoring one Test hundred in each of the seven venues in South Africa where he has made at least one appearance.
Earlier, in the absence of an injured Temba Bavuma, Elgar led the side. Bavuma did not come out to bat as he had a strain in his left hamstring.
Elgar remained unbeaten for 140 off 211 balls including 23 fours. His knock helped South Africa post 256/5 on the board with an 11-run lead in the bag. He had help from Bedingham as well. The on-debut batter scored 56 runs from 87 balls including seven fours and a couple of sixes.
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