Dean Elgar to retire after India Tests

South Africa's upcoming two-match series versus India is going to be the last international assignment for opener Dean Elgar. Cricket South Africa (CSA) stated on Friday, December 22, that the 36-year-old has decided to bring curtains down on an 11-year-old international career after the second Test in Cape Town.

“Playing the game of cricket has always been a dream of mine but having the opportunity to represent your country is the ultimate!" Elgar said in his statement.

"Having had the privilege to do it for 12 years internationally is simply beyond my wildest dreams. It has been an incredible journey that I have been fortunate enough to have. As they say, ‘all good things come to an end’, and the Indian home series will be my last, as I have made the decision to retire from our beautiful game. A game that has given me so much. The Cape Town Test will be my last. My favourite stadium in the world. A place I scored my first Test run against New Zealand and hopefully my last too," the southpaw added.

Elgar made his debut for the Proteas in August 2012, in an ODI against England at the Sophia Gardens. The stylish batter played just eight ODIs in his career and didn't manage to make a mark. However, in the longest format of the game, Elgar proved his mettle by playing a number of memorable knocks. His grit and determination received accolades from fans as well as experts.

Elgar has scored 5,146 runs in 84 Test matches, at an average of 37.02. He has notched up 23 half-centuries and 13 centuries in the purest format of the sport. The first Test match between India and South Africa gets underway on Tuesday, December 26, in Centurion. The second Test in Cape Town, which will be Elgar's swansong, will commence on Wednesday, January 3.