Dean Elgar racked up a career-best score and then fell one run short of a double ton on day two in Potchefstroom.

Elgar has scored more runs than any other Test batsman over the course of year. On Friday, he hit a four and then a six to bring up his maiden 150.

Elgar was cruising towards a double century before Hashim Amla threw his wicket away and Bangladesh managed to bring scoring to a halt. Elgar began to lose his composure in the period that followed.

His 388-ball innings came to an end when he tried to hit Mustafizur Rahman on to the leg side. The ball found the top edge and was caught by Mominul Haque.

Elgar was part of a 196-run opening stand with Aiden Markram, and then part of the 215-run second wicket partnership with Amla. It’s thanks in large to Elgar that the Proteas are in such a commanding position at Senwes Park.

That said, the man himself must regret the lapse in concentration that saw him fall agonisingly short of a richly deserved double century. Elgar is the 10th Test player in history to score 199, and the first from South Africa.

Elgar may also want to forget his performance in the field late in the day. Standing at first slip, he put down two catches off Keshav Maharaj’s bowling. When Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was eventually caught, a relieved Elgar rushed forward to congratulate Maharaj and the fielder, Aiden Markram.

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images