South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2016/17: Dean Elgar Eyes ODI Comeback After Test Success
Jan 16, 2017 at 12:35 PM
Dean Elgar, the Man of the Series in the Sri Lanka Test series, is eyeing a comeback to the ODI format of the game, for which he is also working hard on his bowling.
The all-rounder, who scored 308 runs in the three Tests against Sri Lanka, wants to be a part of the setup for the Champions Trophy 2017, to be played in England in the month of June.
“I very much still want to play one-day cricket, and think I have something to offer, especially with my bowling. In Test cricket, I can’t offer my bowling as I can in white-ball cricket. I am throwing both hands and both feet up, I want to play one-day cricket. I know opportunities might come with guys leaving and so be it,” Elgar said.
Dean Elgar has played six ODIs till now with the last one coming in the series against India in 2015.
With South African team looking for services of a spin all-rounder in the team, Elgar can be one of the prospects to watch out for. The addition of Elgar can be a boost for the team if he can deliver when needed the most.
“It’s difficult when I tour a lot. I’ve missed two years of domestic one-day cricket so it’s difficult to turn out the numbers and stats that people are looking for,” he said. “But in saying that I still get to play Test cricket for South Africa which is the format that everyone wants to play. I’m all-in for one-day cricket still,” Elgar further added.
Coach Russell Domingo though said the ODI roster is pretty much stacked but still he will look what Elgar has to offer to the team.
“Our one-day side is pretty stacked at the moment with Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy and David Miller – that’s probably the top six. Farhaan Behardien is also there. He [Elgar] is definitely an option, particularly in the top three. He has got a good one-day record. He is in the mix, there’s no doubt about it. Him and a few other batters, like Theunis de Bruyn and Temba Bavuma who got a hundred on one-day debut when he played. There are a few fringe players in the mix and his name is definitely in there,” Domingo said.
South Africa is set to play a five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka from January 28 and the selectors are yet to name the squad for the series. There is a slight hope of Elgar being considered for this format of the game considering his form in the Test series.