10 Most underrated Test batters at the moment

5. Dean Elgar

For SA, Dean Elgar has been functioning since 2012. Especially when the side had become no.1, Elgar used to be a dynamic reserve for any of the frontline batters. However, when skipper Graeme Smith hung his boots, Elgar had become the regular member of the Proteas. At present, if you choose an opening pair, chances are you might miss this southpaw in big time.

Especially in today’s age where the likes of Rohit, Tom Latham, David Warner are considered to be the top-grade openers, Elgar isn’t actually that far. From his 72 Test appearances now, Elgar had scored 4582 runs at an average of 39.84. More importantly, barring David Warner, the southpaw equals SL’s Dimuth Karunaratne in terms of most centuries (13) amongst current openers.

Overall, especially in tough conditions like England and NZ, Elgar averages close to 40 against the moving ball. In fact even in sub-continental conditions like Bangladesh, the 34-year old averages above 50. Eventually with Elgar now captaining SA, maybe his presence might get splashy than before.