South Africa's veteran opener Dean Elgar narrowly missed his first double century by just 15 runs when he was dismissed in the first session on the third day of the Boxing Day Test against India at Centurion on Thursday. Playing on his home ground in what is his farewell Test series, Elgar seemed on track to reach the landmark but was caught off a bouncer from Shardul Thakur down the leg side before the Lunch break at SuperSport Park.
Elgar was visibly disheartened to miss the milestone, even as the crowd rose to their feet, applauding the local hero who played with great panache in his second-to-last Test. The cameras captured Elgar's downcast expression even after he had changed into his training attire. Elgar struck 28 boundaries in his innings, ending with a strike rate of 65.
Elgar's impressive score of 185 ranks as the second highest by a South African opener at SuperSport Park in Centurion, and it stands as the fifth highest score by any South African player at this renowned venue.
Highest scores by South African openers in Centurion
Herschelle Gibbs - 192 vs West Indies in 2004
Dean Elgar - 185 vs India in 2023
Graeme Smith - 139 vs West Indies in 2004
Gary Kirsten - 134 vs West Indies in 1999
His outstanding innings of 185 played a crucial role in establishing South Africa's dominant position against India. Alongside Elgar, newcomer David Bedingham also made a notable impact, hinting at a bright future in his Test career.
The Centurion audience was treated to Elgar's determined run chase as he crossed the 150-run threshold on Day 3, spearheading South Africa's commanding reply. His partnership with Marco Jansen further reinforced the team's position, with Jansen providing sturdy support. Together, Elgar and Jansen forged a 119-run stand for the sixth wicket, a partnership that nearly pushed India to the brink in the contest.
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