Test hero Dean Elgar wants to be a one-day star too
But Proteas coach Russell Domingo warns the top order in the ODI side is settled and various others are also knocking on the door.
Dean Elgar believes he can play these type of attacking pulls in white-ball cricket too. Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images.
Dean Elgar might now be considered the bolter of the Proteas’ Test batting line-up after his Man-of-the-Series performance against Sri Lanka.
But he doesn’t want to stop there.
Also read: There’s a chance AB de Villiers is giving up Test cricket
In fact, following Rilee Rossouw’s departure on a Kolpak contract, the gritty opener wants to be a one-day player too.
“I very much want to play white-ball cricket for the Proteas,” said Elgar.
“There’s nothing wrong with my technique against the white ball. I really think I have a lot to offer.”
The 29-year-old notably led the Titans to the domestic One-day Cup final in 2014/15, scoring 440 runs in the process as well and actually boasts a very good record in the format.
He’s scored 4 189 runs at an excellent average of 39 and good strike rate of 77.
Yet Russell Domingo, the Proteas coach, isn’t quite sold on the idea, especially with AB de Villiers returning as captain for the series against the Islanders.
Also read: Russell Domingo: Proteas can’t measure progress via rankings
“The one-day batting line-up is quite settled. In particular, there isn’t much room in the top six at the moment,” he said.
“That said, Dean is definitely a very suitable player in one-day cricket. He can easily slot in the top three and has the numbers to back it up. He’s in the mix with quite a few others like Theunis de Bruyn and Temba Bavuma.
“I’m happy with the amount of fringe players we could look at.”
It’s not words that will discourage Elgar because he has another card up his sleeve – his more that useful left-arm spinners.
“I don’t bowl much in the Test side because I probably can’t offer all that much,” he said.
“But it’s different in limited overs cricket, where I really believe I can offer a few good overs. I realise my tours with the Test side means I haven’t played much limited overs cricket in the last year but I’m putting both my hands and feet up for inclusion.”
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