Heinrich Klaasen retires from red-ball cricket

Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. The 32-year-old, however, will continue to play for the Proteas in white-ball formats.

The wicketkeeper-batter featured in four Tests, scoring just 104 runs at an average of 13. He hasn’t played red-ball cricket for South Africa since March 2023. Klaasen though averages 46.09 in 85 first-class games.

"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."

Klaasen can now focus on the other two formats. The right-handed batter had a superb 2023, smashing 927 runs in 22 ODI innings at a strike rate of 140.7. In T20s, the batter operated at an average of 41.4 and a strike rate of 172.2.