Elgar again proves SA's most productive

He wasn't as elegant as Hashim Amla or as free-flowing as AB de Villiers, but that doesn't matter to Dean Elgar, who was ultimately South Africa's most effective batsman in posting his 11th Test match century on day one in Cape Town.

Elgar walked off Newlands on Thursday evening unbeaten on 121, having endured a probing start by Australia's new-ball bowlers, the constant threat of off-spinner Nathan Lyon, and Pat Cummins' blistering final session spell that swung the momentum in favour of the tourists.

His innings of 253 balls thus far has featured 17 fours and one six and displayed all the hallmarks of what makes Elgar the type of player every team desires: grit, determination, application and focus, even if he's not the most aesthetically pleasing batsman to watch.

And the raw statistics underline just how vital he has been for South Africa; since the beginning of 2017, no-one in Test cricket has scored more than his 1,534 runs. 

"He might not look like the most fluent player, but he still found a way to tick the scoreboard over," said de Villiers of the opener, with whom he shared a 128-run stand.

"He had that grit between his teeth today, he really wanted to prove to anyone that he can score big hundreds when it matters most.

"I'm very happy and proud of him and the way he played today.

"Like any other batter that scores a hundred you need a bit of luck every now and then which he got.

"But you could see how much it meant to him with the celebration."

The luck de Villiers referred to was a dropped catch when Elgar was on 53, spilt at point by Lyon, the off-spinner who has caused him the most headaches this series.

But on Thursday he was positive against Australia's most capped squad member by using his feet, forcing strongly in defence and playing the big shot where possible – his solitary six came off Lyon, a handsome hit straight down the ground.

That confident nature is what former Proteas captain Graeme Smith wants to see more of from Elgar.

"I think everyone knows he's a really tough character," Smith told cricket.com.au.

"He's always giving 100 per cent. He's a gusty guy. Even when he's struggling he finds a way to contribute.

"But I think sometimes he gets a little bit hard on himself in terms of being that personality in the side.

"So it was good today to see him have that balance of freeing up and playing a bit more of a natural game for him and still being dogged.

"The South African team build a lot around his character."

Qantas tour of South Africa

South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, AB de Villiers.

Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc.

Warm-up match: Australia beat South Africa A by five wickets. Report, highlights

First Test Australia won by 118 runs. Scorecard

Second Test South Africa won by six wickets. Scorecard

Third Test Newlands, Cape Town, March 22-26. Live coverage

Fourth Test Wanderers, Johannesburg, March 30-April 3. Live coverage