3 players that might replace Dean Elgar as South Africa’s Test opener ft. Tony de Zorzi. Dean Elgar, South Africa’s Test opener, will soon reach the end of his outstanding career.
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3 players that might replace Dean Elgar as SA’s Test opener
On January 3rd, he will take on his final Test against India at Newlands in Cape Town. Elgar will captain the Proteas in the place of regular captain Temba Bavuma.
In the first Test, the doughty southpaw was at his best, striking a spectacular century to lead South Africa to a historic victory.
During his excellent performance of 182, he demonstrated fluidity and flare not normally associated with his hitting.
Elgar, who isn’t known for his ball driving ability, brought out a slew of covering drives, off moves, as well as straight drives and appeared deadly.
He was combative from the start and never let the Indian bowlers settle in. Elgar has proven himself as one of South Africa’s top Test openers over the previous decade. His statistics, however, do not adequately represent his potential.
1. Jordan Hermann
Jordan Hermann is a promising youngster on the South African regional circuit who might become the next great thing on the red ball circuit.
Hermann is a gifted young batter who has already established himself on the collegiate circuit.
With Dean Elgar’s retirement bringing an end to an era, South African selection may be tempted to go with fresh faces and play some risky cricket. This might complement the recent debut of ‘Bazball’.
Hermann debuted for the Titans in 2021 and has since established himself as a first-class player. He has already scored 1,387 runs at an average of 55.48 in 17 outings.
The 22-year-old exudes quality against true speed and bounce, and he may be an ideal successor for Elgar.
2. Tony de Zorzi
During the India series, he scored his first ODI century and then formed an important partnership with Dean Elgar in the first Test at Supersport Park in Centurion.
While he has some flaws in his defense, notably in Test batting, his positive attitude and ability to play outstanding strokes make him a potential option.
His batting method may be worth trying with, especially with Test cricket moving at such a breakneck pace these days.
De Zorzi made his first-team debut in 2016, while his national team debut came seven years later.
The hard-hitting southpaw can also bat for lengthy periods of time and might be promoted to the starting spot in South Africa’s next Test match.
3. Sarel Erwee
Erwee, one of the most accomplished openers on the South African first-class tour, may be a stand-in for Dean Elgar at the highest level of the order.
While he has yet to make a significant impression in his limited Test career, his recent experience and form make him a possibility to take Elgar’s spot soon.
The 34-year-old made his first-class debut for KwaZulu-Natal in 2008 and quickly rose to the top of the order.
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While Erwee’s consistency is still an issue, his style of play and propensity to work for lengthy periods of time make him a plausible choice as a Test opener.