South Africa batter Klaasen announces Test retirement

CAPE TOWN: Big-hitting South African batter Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from Test cricket.

Klaasen, a prolific performer for South Africa in the limited-overs format, played four Tests over his career. He debuted against India in Ranchi in 2019, and last featured against West Indies in 2023.

The keeper-batter scored 104 runs at an average of 13 from his four games. His highest score was 35 against Australia in Sydney.

Heinrich Klaasen hit a 4,4,6 against Reece Topley in the 45th over of the England-South Africa ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup encounter.

The batter said he was retiring from his favourite format, but will continue to be available for selection in the limited-overs game.

“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.

This is the second big retirement news in the South Africa camp following opener Dean Elgar’s retirement after the two-game Test series against India.