Dean Elgar Hopes Versatility Works In His Favour

Dean Elgar Hopes Versatility Works In His Favour

Dean Elgar has already made his ODI debut this year - now he is chasing a Test cap

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Dean Elgar, who was called up as JP Duminy's replacement ahead of the second Test against Australia in Adelaide, is ready to bat anywhere in the order should he be handed a debut on 22nd November.

He is not alone in that regard - of the team that played in Brisbane four of the top six batsmen had previously opened the batting - but hopes his versatility can benefit the Proteas moving forward.

His opportunity has come about after Duminy suffered a freak injury, rupturing an Achilles tendon during a warm-down after the opening day's play.

The opening Test was drawn - despite South Africa batting a man short - and neither side is favourite for second game, bet365 having both teams at 9/5 with the draw 7/4 favourite.

"I don’t think there will be a problem with that," Elgar said when asked about adapting to different roles. "I think it’s a mindset change, I think if the nod comes for me to play in Adelaide then by all means I will be able to contribute.

"I see myself as a versatile player, I can bat in the top order, middle order or wherever. I think that is one of the better assets that I credit myself with."

Elgar has earned his call-up on the back of consistency in first-class cricket, in which he averages just under 45 and scored runs against Australia in a tour game in Potchefstroom last year. His battling knock of 47 on that day was perhaps worth more given the lively nature of the pitch and the strength of the bowling line-up.

He has subsequently played five One-Day Internationals this year - all against England. What he is really after is a Test cap, however, something that comes from a love of the longest form of the game.

"I love first-class cricket, I think it is the finest, most purest form of the game," he said.

"But in saying that, I really enjoy my one-day cricket, I feel it adds a different dimension to your game. If you had to put the two on the table, I would have to choose the longer format."

© Cricket World 2012