Dubai 10th September : Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has lauded South Africa captain Dean Elgar for being on the brink of hitting the 5,000-run mark in Test cricket, stating that it’s a tremendous effort by an opening batsman to get the amount of runs in the longest format of the game.Elgar requires to score 66 runs in the final Test against England at The Oval to get 5,000 runs in Test cricket.At present, in the 78 Tests played, Elgar has run 4,934 times at an average of 39.15 including the scores of 13 centuries and 22 fifties, since his first appearance in Test cricket in 2012.
“It’s an incredible effort.To see an opening batsman hit five thousand runs is an incredible feat.It’s a fact.He’s a tough and tough batsman who knows his game in-depth, and knows how to be a really effective player and 5,000 runsisn’t a lot of players in the history of Test cricket who haven’t been able to achieve that,” said Watson on The ICC Review show.
With Elgar being primarily an expert in Test cricket for South Africa (he has just eight ODI appearances), Watson feels the free schedule will allow the 35-year-old to keep his body in good shape and keep racking up the runs in the longest format of the game, perhaps for the next four-five years.
“Only playing Test cricket There’s enough time off to to stay fresh and stay that way for the next four to five years.I’m sure he’ll make the most of this.He certainly has the potential to continue to play for four, five years, I believe, with his performances still being top-notch, and He’s a great leader within the team as you observe with his captaincy.”
“He’s not finished yet, and has a good amount of work to do, if I’m not mistaken.It’s a huge game (against England away from home) and as captain of South Africa, he’s doing a fantastic job.It’s an amazing feat and that’s for sure.”
South Africa are continuing their efforts to be a part in the World Test Championship final, and a win against England at The Oval will move them towards a tie with Australia at the top with 70 percent points.Although South Africa haven’t won a Test series in England in their three previous chances, Watson feels there is an optimism in the Proteas under the leadership of Elgar to alter the trend.
“He’s always about pushing the boundaries of the extent to which they can be and not being content and satisfied with the current situation now.We’ve seen it in the England series to date, particularly with the opening Test game.They’re a really excellent team.”
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