When Virat Kohli resigned as the IND Test captain at the end of India’s previous tour of South Africa in January 2022, it felt as though an era had ended. It was an era of unprecedented success marked by the single-minded pursuit of 20 wickets every time IND played a Test match, and the coming together of a bowling attack of unusual depth, quality and experience with both pace and spin. Ishant Sharma was finally the complete article, Mohammad Shami matured, Jasprit Bumrah arrived as the first Indian world class quick bowler, and Mohammed Siraj joined them after a long first class stint. Opponents didn’t get any easy overs anywhere against India in a Test match.
That was a heroic test performance by Dean Elgar. With Bavuma out and South Africa down to ten men he took over the captaincy, scored 45% of SA’s runs, made a beautiful assist on the second innings run out and clearly inspired his young team to perform beyond expectations. Analysis is great and very helpful but sometimes you simply have to say - Cometh the hour!!! It’s what makes sport beautiful.
That was a heroic test performance by Dean Elgar. With Bavuma out and South Africa down to ten men he took over the captaincy, scored 45% of SA’s runs, made a beautiful assist on the second innings run out and clearly inspired his young team to perform beyond expectations. Analysis is great and very helpful but sometimes you simply have to say - Cometh the hour!!! It’s what makes sport beautiful.