Elgar performs exceptionally for Essex as South Africans play abroad: Division One

The opening two rounds of England's County Championship saw some impressive performances from South African cricketers. Dean Elgar made a dream start for Essex, while Leus du Plooy scored a blistering century for Middlesex.

In a huge 254-run victory over Nottinghamshire, Dean Elgar of Essex scored 80 runs in the first innings off 156 balls (12 fours) before being dismissed by Dane Paterson of Nottinghamshire, who finished with figures of 5-49.

In Essex's second innings, Elgar scored 26 runs off 45 balls, including five fours. Calvin Harrison, who was born in Durban and plays for Nottinghamshire, took figures of 2-24.

In Essex's second match, a draw with Kent, Elgar had more success. He scored 120 runs off 176 deliveries in the first innings, including 18 fours, and 34 runs off 48 balls in the second innings, including three fours. His teammate, Simon Harmer, also contributed with 44 runs off 73 balls, including five fours.

In his team's draw with Hampshire, Lancashire captain Keaton Jennings, who is the son of former South African wicketkeeper Ray Jennings, scored the highest number of runs, with a first-innings score of 172 off 297 balls (including 21 fours).

In a draw with Worcestershire, Harrison from Nottinghamshire scored 52 runs off 148 deliveries, hitting seven fours. He also claimed figures of 5-128.

Durham's David Bedingham scored 49 runs off 70 balls (including five fours and two sixes) and 36 runs off 41 balls (including four fours and one six) in a draw against Warwickshire.