South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen announced retirement from test cricket, he announced his retirement On Monday (8 January) from Test cricket; however, he will remain available for white-ball formats.
The wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen born 30 July 1991 at Pretoria, Transvaal Province, South Africa.
Klaasen’s retirement comes just days after former captain Dean Elgar concluded his illustrious Test career. Elgar bid farewell to Test cricket while leading South Africa in his final match against India in Cape Town.
Klaasen participated in four Tests throughout his career and his debut took place against India in Ranchi in 2019, and his last appearance was against West Indies in 2023.
He played total four matches where he accumulated 104 runs with an average of 13, achieving his highest score of 35 against Australia in Sydney. This marks the second significant retirement in the South African team, following Dean Elgar’s decision to retire after the two-match Test series against India. Heinrich Klaasen announced retirement from test cricket.
Heinrich Klaasen announced retirement from test cricket
Heinrich Klaasen said in a statement on Monday, “After a few sleepless nights wondering if I am making the right decision, I have decided to retire from red-ball cricket,” he said in a statement. ”
“It’s a difficult decision that I have made because it is by far my favourite format of the game. 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. 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 looking forward to it,” he added.
Enoch Nkwe, the Director of Cricket for Cricket South Africa, has confirmed that Klaasen remains a part of their plans for white-ball cricket.
He said, “We look forward to seeing him excel in the white-ball arena and continue to make valuable contributions to South African cricket in the years ahead.”
Test debut – 19 October 2019 v India
Last Test – 8 March 2023 v West Indies
Matches – 4
Runs scored – 104
Batting average – 13.00
Top score – 35
Hundred – 0
Fifty – 0
Catches/stumpings – 10/2
In February 2017, Klaasen was selected for South Africa’s Test squad for the series against New Zealand but did not get the opportunity to play. But In October 19, 2019, Klaasen was added to South Africa’s Test squad for the series against India where he made his Test debut for South Africa.
In February 2018, he was included in South Africa’s One Day International (ODI) squad for the series against India as a replacement for the injured Quinton de Kock. Klaasen made his ODI debut against India on February 7, 2018. His second ODI, during the home series against India, saw him secure his first international Man of the Match award for his match-winning 43 runs off 27 balls.
In December 2018, Klaasen was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore during the player auction for the 2019 Indian Premier League.
After their recent defeat to India in Cape Town last week, South Africa is scheduled to participate in seven more Test matches in 2024. This includes a series of three matches against New Zealand next month.
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