(Cricket News) From Klaasen, amidst the ongoing discussions regarding T20 cricket taking precedence over Test cricket in South Africa, the dynamic batsman Heinrich Klaasen has declared his retirement from the longest format of the game.
Despite being one of the top run-scorers for South Africa in the previous year’s ODI World Cup, Klaasen did not regularly feature in Test cricket. Expressing the difficulty of his decision, he stated, “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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Debuting in 2019, the 32-year-old had only played four Test matches. Last February, Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad had expressed a preference for having Klaasen in the squad as a keeper-batsman over Paul Verreynne, considering him a ‘better batter.’ However, during the West Indies tour, Klaasen managed only 56 runs from four innings.
After a recent defeat to India in Cape Town, South Africa is scheduled to play seven more Test matches in 2024, with three against New Zealand next month. The Proteas squad announcement for the three-match series starting on February 4 has generated significant buzz in the cricket community, as the visitors have named seven debutants in their squad, while many of their established red-ball players are participating in the upcoming SA20 League.
Also Read: Rohit, Kohli get final shot at T20 glory but will selectors’ safe approach cost India another WC?
