“I draw on that pain. Some call it stupid; some call it brave. But, if I am willing to put my body on the line, so should everyone else.” These were the words uttered by Dean Elgar after taking the ball beating in the second Tests against India.
One would think that these were some hollow words made to ignite a flame in the already fragile Proteas lineup. Especially after their best batter unexpectedly announced retirement in between the ongoing series. However, the second Test’s result was Elgar’s moment of truth, and where he has bloody right come victorious from.
It’s been over a decade after Dean Elgar’s debut. But, after 4549 runs at an average of 40.25, which comprises 13 centuries, it’s about time the man gets some respect to his name after the match-winning knock against India at Wanderers.
Already amongst legendary names
Dean Elgar’s potential and rigour is undeniable, but his numbers have been gone underappreciated over the years. The man has the highest batting average for a South African opener at home (min. 1000 runs) of 49.01, leaving behind the legends like Herbie Taylor, Herschelle Gibbs and even Graeme Smith, their most successful opener and captain.
He has an average of 47.52 at home, and that too is an opener make. These numbers make it difficult to digest how Dean Elgar went missing from the many analysts’ radar. However, the world knows how South Africa is a batter’s nightmare and for Elgar to return with such figures here is truly admirable.
Rising to the 4th innings challenge
His constant comparison with Graeme Smith in his game and as a captain is slightly unfair. Smith was probably the best of his time who used to truly flourish at the start and the end part of the match (51.96 batting average in 4th innings!). He was an ideal opener throughout. And comparing that to Elgar’s number is not too bad. With an average of 39.95 in the 4th innings shows it looks like Elgar has decided to replicate Smith’s vigour in his game.
While he has not perfected the 4th innings batting mastery yet, the grit he has shown in both the games is a testament to what kind of skill this man has. Even in the first game against India, his 77 runs knock was the highest amongst both the teams. Not a single batter even crossed the 35 runs barrier apart from him in the second innings. In the first match, South Africa had to suffer the loss, and the effort went unnoticed, but he made sure to grab headlines in the second fixture, remaining unbeaten for 96 and handing the historic win to his team.
The resurgence of the golden age of South Africa Cricket?
A tenacious left-hander opener getting handed the captain’s hat amidst a mess of South African cricket. Sounds familiar? Elgar’s comparison with his legendary former captain Graeme Smith will continue to occur, but it is too early for the talk of coincidences. No doubt Elgar has a long way to go for him to match that legacy, but one cannot be stuck into the practical outlook all the time. Of course, it won’t hurt if we play a small game of matching the pairs.