New Delhi, Aug. 26 -- Former South Africa Test captain Dean Elgar has announced his decision to retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2026 County Championship campaign, confirmed Essex Cricket.

The 39-year-old left-handed batter will bring an end to a career spanning more than two decades, having established himself as one of South Africa's most dependable Test openers.

Elgar enjoyed a successful 12-year international career, scoring 5,347 runs in 86 Tests at an average of 37.92, including 14 centuries and a career-best score of 199 against Bangladesh in 2017.

He also led the Proteas in 18 Test matches and captained the side during his final Test appearance against India in Cape Town in January 2024, when he stepped in for...