Century releases some of Elgar’s frustrations

Proteas opener Dean Elgar was pleased to have put some of his frustrations of throwing away good starts behind him with a career-best century on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Newlands in Cape Town on Monday.
The 29-year-old batted for over six hours to compile 129 (230 balls, 15 fours), which was the sixth ton of his career, as the hosts closed on 297/6.
It was a huge relief for the left-hander, who admits that a lack of consistency tends to frustrate him.
Elgar, who made 45 and 52 in the first Test at Port Elizabeth, said: “I’ve tended to get a hundred early in the series and then I don’t get on – I get these stupid 20s and 30s and 40s, which are highly frustrating.
“I know that’s not my character.
“I had some chats with the Titans coach (Mark Boucher) and some input from guys who aren’t in our squad.”
Elgar also praised the Newlands wicket, which appeared to offer plenty for the bowlers and made batting look more difficult on the opening day. Sri Lanka had won the toss on an overcast morning and elected to field first.
Elgar explained: “We knew that if we get through the first hour, once that new ball becomes a little bit older, it’s going to give us a few more run-scoring opportunities.
“It’s a very good wicket. If you apply yourself with the bat you’ll get something and if you do the same with the ball you’ll get that too. We had a good one in PE and this looks like a good one as well.”
Apart from Elgar’s ton, the Proteas looked in trouble just after Tea when they slipped to 159/5, but a 103-run stand between the opener and Quinton de Kock changed the course of the opening day.
While Elgar fell a half-hour before stumps, De Kock was still there on 68 (90 balls, 7 fours) and will carry South Africa’s hope of a strong first-innings total heading into day two.
Elgar added: “Quinny (de Kock) is one of those freaks of world cricket.
“His nature of play is not going to change very much. He puts bowlers under a lot of pressure. They tend to think they’re on top of him but next thing you wipe your eyes and he’s got a fifty. He’s one of those guys who can really kill the opposition when he gets going.”
Latest
-
News
Jos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
News
Harry Brooks and Will Jacks in England Lions squad to face South Africa
The tour match will give an opportunity for players to push for a first Test cap.
-
News
Nathan Ellis and Jordan Thompson help London Spirit claim thrilling derby win
Australian fast bowler Ellis (three for 28) and Thompson (two for 31) reduced the home side to 12 for four.
-
News
Jofra Archer extends Sussex contract for another year
The 27-year-old World Cup winner has been sidelined for more than a year by injury.
-
News
Northern Superchargers put their faith in experience for Hundred campaign
The Headingley-based men’s side could have eight players aged 34 and over in their first-choice XI.
-
News
Liam Livingstone looking forward to entertaining fans in the Hundred again
The England all-rounder finished the 2021 men’s Hundred with the most runs and the highest individual score.
-
News
On this day in 2008: Kevin Pietersen named England Test and one-day captain
The South Africa-born batter made a bright start but lasted just five months in the roles.
-
News
James Vince stars as Southern Brave hammer Welsh Fire in Hundred opener
The right-hander blasted 71 off 41 balls.
-
News
Will Jacks hopes to use The Hundred to boost his international prospects
The 23-year-old has had a stand-out season across the formats this year.
-
News
Eoin Morgan backs England to challenge for T20 World Cup despite struggles
England on Sunday slipped to their joint-heaviest defeat in the 20-over format.