Veteran South Africa batter Dean Elgar opened up on his batting approach on Day 2 of the opening Test against India in Centurion. Elgar stamped his authority over the Indian bowlers with his unbeaten 140 which was laced with 23 boundaries. The southpaw played some counter-attacking shots to put the visitors on the backfoot as South Africa managed to take an 11-run lead at the stumps on Day 2.
Elgar, who is to retire from international cricket after this series, said he just wanted to go with a bang.
“I don’t think I wanted to prove any point. Just that I wanted to go out with a bang as that is standard I set for myself as there’s no looking back now,” Elgar said about his 14th hundred.
The former Proteas skipper suggested that the surface became better for batting and elaborated that if the sun had arrived then it would have been tougher for him.
“It was quite a good wicket to bat on. Had there been more sun, it would have been tougher. It’s just that it’s been my way. Could have been another batter another day.”
Normally known for his defensive dogged approach, Elgar wanted to look to score runs.
“Your mindset has to be looking to score but also defend and leave balls. There’s one ball with your name on it jags back. When you look to score, you are in better position to make good decisions, capitalised on balls that are over pitched.”
He was all praise for debutant David Bedingham, a veteran in first-class cricket at 29 and someone who plays county on tough Durham track.
“You think he is youngster. He has lot of experience at first-class cricket and lot of experience in county for Durham. He has experience of playing long form. He took to Test very well,” Elgar said of Bedingham.
So what was his advice to youngsters Tony de Zorzi (with whom he shared 93 runs for the second wicket) and Bedingham (133 for fourth wicket), Elgar said: “You need to be consistent and simplify your gameplan and still look to score.
“Pretty straightforward message and get through two bowlers (Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah) and capitalise on balls that can be scored of.”
A century at Centurion for the local boy was one in the bucket list and exalted celebration was a manifestation of that.
“It was special day as I don’t have a Test hundred in Centurion. My family and friends were here knowing it is my last international fixture here (at this ground). Obviously, it was a show of appreciation to them,” Elgar said.
So has the reality sunk in that after this, there’s only one more game left?
“At this moment, focus is on putting the team in strong position. Maybe closer to when Cape Town Test is finished, reality will sink in,” Elgar said.
“Maybe I will have a drink and look back and think. But right now, it’s all showing the youngsters what standard they have to follow.”
(With Agency Inputs)
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