Elgar the "Logical" choice for Test captain

With the rebuilding phase in motion and players searching for form, I agree with Dean Elgar, he is the logical choice right now for Test captain, writes Khalid Mohidin.

I think it is no secret that Aiden Markram has always been my first choice. If you follow us religiously on Youtube, watch our Podcast shows and Daily Shows, I have spoken in abundance about how highly I rate Aiden Markram as a cricketer. His mental ability, and care about players around him is impeccable.

But at this moment in time, with his last century 21 innings back against Australia, Markram needs to make sure that his priority is getting back into that Test side as a regular at the top of the order.

I have thought hard about who should be the next in line to take over from Faf. Some may say what about Temba Bavuma?

Bavuma is a capable candidate too. Not only does he show a fighting spirit every time he puts on a Proteas jersey, but he represents the “South African Dream” to any kid who comes from the township looking to make a career out of this sport.

But Bavuma too, now with him being a more senior figure in the Proteas setup, needs to focus on his own form. With his last half-century coming 15 innings ago, and only one Test century under his name dating back to 2 Jan 2016.

I think the general public would agree that those performances need to be better. Perhaps moving up the order would give him a better opportunity to score bigger scores.

So what is the logical choice?

“Without sounding arrogant, or big-headed, I think it would make the one logical sense, in Cricket South Africa at the moment,” said Dean Elgar when he was asked if he is thinking about being Test captain.

“In saying that, that’s out of your control as a player. I do feel that it’s a position I’ve really tried to groom myself from a personal point of view.

“But that’s totally out of my powers, there are other people who make those decisions and rightly so, you’ve got to respect whichever way they want to look at it.”

This was Elgar’s comments after he scored a century against the Cobras at Newlands. His 101 off 143 balls which included 15 fours, was in vain as the Titans were bowled out for 150 – the lowest first-class total to include a hundred.

I agree. From an experience perspective, form perspective, attitude, mentality, age, respect amongst his peers, Elgar would be the perfect option.

What this will do is also take the pressure off the younger candidates, who can fully focus on their form and performances. He is also the first name on the teamsheet from a top-order batting point of view.

Once the likes of Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and possibly even Kagiso Rabada, are reaching the peak in their career, the discussions can start on who should replace him.

For now, Elgar should take the Proteas forward and lead the team into the next phase of South African cricket.