New Delhi. South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen bid farewell to Test cricket on Monday, announcing immediate retirement from red-ball cricket, signaling his departure from the longer format of the game. Cricket South Africa shared this information through a press release. 32-year-old Klaasen has played only four Test matches for South Africa. He was notably left out of the team during the recent Test series against India, but did participate in the One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 series.
Klaasen, who made his Test debut in 2019, is recognized for his exceptional record in first-class cricket. He is primarily considered a specialist in white-ball cricket, having particularly displayed his skills in One Day Internationals, where he scored at a strike rate of 172 in 2023. In a statement released by Cricket South Africa, Klaasen said, “After careful consideration and much reflection, I have decided to retire from red-ball cricket. It’s a tough decision as Test cricket has been my favorite format for a long time. The battles I have faced on and off the field in this format have shaped me into the cricketer I am today. It has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful to represent my country.”
The South African wicketkeeper-batsman further said, “The Test cap I have been given is the most valuable cap I have ever received. I am grateful to everyone who played a role in my red-ball career, shaping me into the cricketer I am today. But a new challenge awaits. Heinrich Klaasen could only score 104 runs at an average of 13 in four Test matches for South Africa, with his highest score of 35. Despite debuting in 2019, his Test career ended in March 2023 due to being given limited opportunities in the longer format. However, he is expected to continue playing white-ball cricket for South Africa, where he has an impressive track record in ODIs and T20Is.