Johannesburg – Uncapped Proteas batsman Dean Elgar says he can slot into any role in South Africa's line-up if he is called up in the ongoing Test series against Australia.
Elgar replaced injured JP Duminy in the touring squad this week, and despite batting at the top of the order for his domestic team, the Knights, he feels he can make a contribution wherever he is needed.
“I think it's a mindset change,” Elgar said on Friday ahead of the second Test in Adelaide next week.
“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, 25, has already faced some of the players in the Australian squad, including Peter Siddle and Shane Watson, during a tour match in Potchefstroom in November last year, when he scored 47 against a venomous new ball on a lively pitch.
Elgar has been a consistent feature in Cricket South Africa's (CSA) high performance programme over the last five years, after captaining the SA Schools and Under-19 teams, scoring 759 runs in four 50-over matches for SA A against Sri Lanka A, and making his one-day international debut (ODI) against England in Cardiff earlier this year.
With five ODI's under his belt, Elgar, boasting an average of 44.75 from 74 first-class games, hoped to be included in the Proteas Test side.
“I love first-class cricket. I think it is the finest, 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.” – Sapa