5 most underrated batsmen in world cricket right now

#2 Dean Elgar

Elgar scored his career-best Test score in 2017

Ever since Graeme Smith called time on his career, South Africa's search for a reliable opener has been well-documented. After a long wait, Dean Elgar has ensured that the void has finally been filled in Tests.

The 30-year-old has scored a Test century in every year since 2013. 2017 was his career-best year as well, as he smashed five centuries in the calendar year along with his career-best Test score. He was also the first batsman to cross 1,000 Test runs in 2017, the first time he achieved it in his career.

He boasts an average of over 42 in 41 Tests opening the batting predominantly in tricky home conditions and yet his performances are often overshadowed by the likes of Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and even Quinton de Kock.