In a surprising turn of events, Dean Elgar has been named as the captain for South Africa in the final Test against Bharat. This decision comes after Temba Bavuma was ruled out of the series due to injury. Cricket South Africa officially confirmed this news after the conclusion of the first game on Thursday, following scans that revealed Bavuma’s hamstring strain.
Bavuma’s unfortunate injury occurred during fielding on Day 1 of the Test match, forcing him to sit out for the rest of the game. With his absence, Elgar will now lead the team in what is set to be the final match of his international career. Elgar had previously taken over captaincy duties during the first Test when Bavuma was taken off the pitch, and South Africa went on to secure a convincing innings and 32-run victory at Centurion.
Zubayr Hamza has been chosen as the replacement for Bavuma in the squad for the upcoming final Test, scheduled to take place in Cape Town starting from January 3. Elgar, no stranger to leadership, has previously captained the Proteas, notably leading them to a comeback triumph in the most recent Test series against India. The team had fallen behind 1-0 but rallied under Elgar’s captaincy to clinch the series 2-1.
In the recently concluded match at Centurion, Elgar showcased his leadership on the field and his batting prowess. After South Africa bowled Bharat out for 245, Elgar played a crucial role by scoring an impressive 185 runs in the team’s first innings. This marked the second-highest score of his Test career. With a commanding 163-run lead, South Africa’s pacers dominated, dismissing India for 131, securing an innings win. Elgar’s outstanding century earned him the well-deserved title of Player of the Match.
As the cricketing action shifts to Cape Town for the series’ final Test, set to begin on January 3, all eyes will be on Elgar and the South African team as they aim to conclude the series on a high note. The farewell for Elgar adds an emotional touch to the upcoming match, making it a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts around the world.
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