South Africa’s Heinrich Klassen will retire from red-ball cricket with immediate effect, an official release from Cricket South Africa stated. Klaasen, who made four appearances for the Proteas in the longer format averages 46.09 in 85 matches in first-class cricket and played last Test in March last year.
“After a few sleepless nights wondering if I am making the right decision, I have decided to retire from red-ball cricket. It’s a difficult decision that I have made because it is by far my favourite format of the game,” Klaasen said. “The battles that I faced on and off the field have made me the cricketer I am today. It has been a great journey and I am glad I could have represented my country.
The 32-year-old was not picked for the recent India vs South Africa series with 26-year-old Kyle Verreynne preferred over the hard-hitting middle-order bat. Klassen’s announcement comes even as Test coach Shukri Conrad has earlier indicated that Klassen was still part of his plans and he could feature in South Africa’s Test assignments later in the year.
Klassen will now focus on white-ball cricket and enjoyed a remarkable 2023 in the shorter formats scoring 927 runs in 22 matches in ODIs with a strike-rate of 140.66.
“My baggy Test cap is the most precious cap I have ever been handed. Thanks to everyone who has played a part in my red-ball career and shaped me into the cricketer I am today. But for now, a new challenge awaits and I am looking forward to it,” he went on to add.
Comments
0 comment