Former South African opener Dean Elgar shared his views after scoring an impressive century against India on day two of the test match. Experienced opener Dean Elgar emphasized that he wanted to play as freely as possible. He claimed that he entered the game with a great deal of confidence, which has only benefited him more.
With KL Rahul’s century helping the visitors to a competitive 245, Dean Elgar stood tall for the Proteas against India’s gun-bowling attack. With a stunning pull shot from Shardul Thakur in the 43rd over of the game, the 36-year-old knocked the three-figure milestone and finished undefeated on 140 at the end of day two.
Additionally, it was the former captain of South Africa’s second century in a Test match against India; he had previously earned his first during the 2019 tour. The Proteas were able to take the lead because of his century-long partnership with debutant David Bedigham.
I wanted to play with a bit of freedom- Dean Elgar
After the second day of the Boxing Day Test, Elgar said he felt free and that he had nothing to lose. He further added that this is my last test series, so I want to play with a little bit of freedom. As quoted by The Times of India, Elgar said:
“I wanted to play with a bit of freedom. I know people say it’s only domestic cricket and you still have to do time in the middle, but I’ve been in some really good form with the bat coming into the series and I was pretty confident. I don’t have a lot to lose now, do I? It’s my last series and I want to play with a bit of freedom,” said Dean Elgar.
You need to have positive intent to score runs on a wicket like this- Dean Elgar
Elgar also recalled barely missing out on a ton against Sri Lanka at this very venue, and he believed that you have to get through those 30 overs when the ball was moving around because after lunch things got a lot easier.
“It’s one place I’ve really wanted to score a ton. I got 95 against Sri Lanka, buggered that one up and I thought today luck is on my side, so I need to try and cash in and extremely proud of it. Obviously, once you get in, you’ve earned that right, getting through 30 overs and the new ball. It was moving around, but definitely got a little bit easier after lunch and I came out with a bit more positive intent, looking to score. I think you have to have that mindset of looking to score on a wicket like this,” Dean Elgar elaborated.
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