Elgar will finish on 86 Tests in a career that has spanned 12 years. “Playing the game of cricket has always been a dream of mine but having the opportunity to represent your country is the ultimate! 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,” he said in a statement.
ESPNcricinfo understands Elgar was informed that he is not part of red ball coach Shukri Conrad’s long-term plans. Elgar has been linked with Essex as an overseas player for the 2024 season.
Elgar’s decision means he will likely be unavailable for South Africa’s two Test series in New Zealand, where they are forced to send a makeshift side because several frontline players will be involved with the SA20. Elgar does not have an SA20 deal and would have been the most experienced player in the squad, and potentially even asked to captain in Temba Bavuma’s absence. Instead, Titans’ batter Neil Brand is expected to lead South Africa and partner Tony de Zorzi at the top of the order. Brand and de Zorzi opened the batting together for South Africa A against West Indies A in a recently completed three-match series.
More to follow.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo