South Africa’s stand-in captain for the second Test of the series, Dean Elgar retired with regret as he failed to contribute with the bat at Newlands, Cape Town. After a commanding 185-run knock in the Centurion Test, Elgar failed to bid goodbye to Test cricket in style as he was dismissed twice on Day 1 for scores of 4 and 12 contributing to the collapse.
After India’s seven-wicket win to wrap up the second Test within five sessions, Elgar said, “I would have liked to do more in this game. Still very proud of my performance I had in Centurion. Nice to contribute to a winning cause. Some really tough conditions throughout. It (three-Test series) would have been fantastic.”
In the post-match presentation, Elgar lauded Jasprit Bumrah who took a six-wicket haul in the second innings.
“You want to challenge yourself, Bumrah is world-class, he deserves this award. You want to push yourself to limits. Glad that I don;t have to face these guys again. Fond memories. We've come a long way. Very grateful to play against these guys,” the left-handed batter said.
Elgar also talked about his Test cap which has been making rounds on social media for its worn and torn condition.
“A lot of good memories, I received it (green cap) in 2012, I have missed only one series. It's got a special place. Only leaves for duty, that's done and dusted,” he concluded.
Elgar could not repeat the Centurion heroics but he became the second batter to achieve a rare feat in Test cricket in his farewell game. He became the first batter since 1890 to be dismissed twice on the same day of his farewell Test. Australia's Jack Barrett achieved the feat in 1990 against England with scores of 0 and 4. Australia lost the low-scoring encounter by two wickets.
Elgar was adjudged ‘Player of the series’ alongside Bumrah. The 36-year-old retired with 5,347 runs from 86 Tests including 14 centuries and 23 fifties at an average of 37.92.
Elgar also became the first South African captain to lose a Test in Cape Town against an Asian side.
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