Elgar to retire at end of county season

Former Proteas captain Dean Elgar will retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2026 English county season. The 39-year-old Essex opener announced his decision on Wednesday, bringing his 21-year professional career to a close. Elgar said spending more time with his partner and children in South Africa was central to his decision. He said, "It’s the right time for me now to be present at home and be there for my partner and my kids." The left-hander scored 5,347 runs in 86 Tests with an average of 37.65, including 14 centuries and 23 half-centuries. Elgar joined Essex in 2024 after ending his international career. Among his proudest achievements, he mentioned captaining South Africa and leading the Proteas to victory over England at Lord’s. He also reflected on the challenge of joining Essex following Alastair Cook’s retirement, saying he wanted to contribute through his own approach rather than replicate the England great. Essex director of cricket Chris Silverwood praised Elgar’s resilience, commitment, and influence on the county’s younger players. After years spent traveling, Elgar hopes to take a break from cricket and devote more time to his family once his final season is complete.