South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2016, 1st Test, Day 3: 5 talking points

#3 Elgar flatters to deceive

Elgar threw away yet another start

Elgar has arguably been South Africa's best opener in Tests since the retirement of Graeme Smith. He, in every way, looks like he has modelled his game on the former Proteas skipper. Despite standing way shorter than Smith, Elgar has shown the same staunch determination and perseverance as Smith.

His hundred in Sri Lanka in 2014 showed that he was ready for a battle in any conditions. In Australia, against a strong Aussie bowling attack, he showed calmness and understanding to notch up another Test ton.

But there is something about Elgar that isn't Smith-like. The former opener was a master at converting his starts into hundreds, if not double hundreds. He wasn't one to walk away in the midst of a battle. Elgar, meanwhile, has given his wicket away far too often after looking set for a big score.