Dean Elgar. Picture Credit: Twitter/@ICC
Cricket South Africa has announced Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma as their new Test and limited-overs captains respectively. After it was earlier confirmed that Quinton de Kock will be relieved of captaincy duties for the national side, CSA revealed the new appointments on Thursday.
CSA’s Director of Cricket Grame Smith thanked Quinton de Kock for his services as the skipper of South Africa. Smith added that the wicket-keeper will continue to play an important role in team’s leadership group.
He said, “We are grateful to Quinton for the work he has put in as captain of the team in the limited overs formats and are indebted to him for stepping up while the National Selection Panel continued its search for the Test captain. We expect him to still play an integral role in the team’s leadership group.”
Dean Elgar becomes new Test captain for Proteas
The 33-year-old opener is undoubtedly one of the most experienced players in South Africa squad. He has been the mainstay at top of the order for quite a long time and it is not surprising that CSA has given him the responsibility to lead the Proteas Test side. Elgar has represented South Africa in 67 Tests and has 4260 runs to his name.
“Dean has made no secret of his Test captaincy ambitions over the years and we are pleased to have a leader who is ready, willing and able to step up to the massive task of turning our Test cricket fortunes around. His role as a leader in the Test team has never been in doubt and I know that he relishes the prospect of captaining the Test team. We are confident that he will bring the same grit and determination to his captaincy as he has brought to his many performances on the field over many years,” said Smith in an official statement.
Temba Bavuma to lead SA in ODIs and T20Is
Temba Bavuma has been entrusted to lead South Africa’s limited-overs side. The 30-year-old, who has only played 6 ODIs and 8 T20Is, will have a huge responsibility on his shoulders. His first assignment is expected to be the upcoming limited-overs series against Pakistan, starting on April 2.
Reflecting on Bavuma’s appointment, Smith said, “Temba has been a strong and influential voice in the team in recent times and has shown consistency on the field in all formats, solidifying his place as a leader. He also has the trust and backing of players and coaches around him. We are excited to have him lead the Proteas in the upcoming T20 World Cups as well as 2023 World Cup In India.”
Both Elgar and Bavuma were undoubtedly delighted to take over the reigns of their national side. Elgar admitted that becoming the Test captain is probably the biggest highlight of his career and he is grateful for the opportunity to represent the country in such an important way. Meanwhile, Bavuma expressed that captaining the Proteas has been his dream for many years and this is one of the greatest honours of his life.