South Africa’s star batsman, Heinrich Klaasen, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, a confirmation provided by Cricket South Africa. The 32-year-old played four Tests for South Africa, with his last appearance against the West Indies in March of the previous year.
In first-class cricket, he averaged 46.09 in 85 matches. In 2019, he played the first Test match against India in Ranchi during the tour. However, he had to wait four years to play Tests at Sydney, Centurion, and Johannesburg.
Another Test retirement in the Proteas camp as wicket-keeper batter steps away from red-ball cricket 👇
— ICC (@ICC) January 8, 2024
Across these four Tests, he could only score 104 runs, with a best of 35, and was eventually replaced by Kyle Wren. Klaasen will now shift his focus entirely to limited-overs cricket. He has scored at an average of 172.71 in Twenty20 and 140.66 in ODI cricket in 2023.
Klaasen said, “I have had sleepless nights wondering if I am making the right decision. I have decided to retire from red ball cricket. It is a difficult decision that I have made, as it is my favorite format of the game. It has been a great journey, and I am happy that I could represent my country.”
“My baggy Test cap is the most treasured cap I have ever got. Thanks to all those who have played a role in my red-ball career and shaped me into the cricketer I am today. But now there is a new challenge and I am looking forward to it,” He also said.
