Heinrich Klaasen retires from red-ball cricket

Heinrich Klaasen has announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket, Cricket South Africa said in a statement on Monday, January 8. The 32-year-old played for the Proteas in four Test matches, the last of which was in March of last year against the West Indies.

Despite having a strong first class record (an average of 46.09 from 85 matches), Klaasen primarily supported Quinton de Kock in Test matches. During the 2019 Indian tour, he made a breakthrough and won his first cap in Ranchi. He added to his one cap over the course of nearly four years before making appearances in Sydney, Centurion, and Johannesburg in 2023. He scored a maximum of 35 runs out of a total of just 104 runs, and he was replaced in the XI by Kyle Verreynne.

After having a very successful year- 2023, Klaasen will now look forward to devote all his attention to White Ball Cricket

“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.

“My baggy Test cap is the most precious cap I have ever been handed. Thanks to everyone that 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.”

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