Heinrich Klaasen, a batter from South Africa, declared his retirement from the Test format on Monday. Only four appearances in red-ball cricket were made by the explosive batter, who was well-known for his power-hitting ability in limited-overs cricket. After veteran batter Dean Elgar decided to end his international career, he became the second senior player to retire from Test cricket. In the two-match Test series that concluded on a level footing, the left-handed player’s farewell dance took place against India. In his four appearances, the wicketkeeper batter only managed to score 104 runs at an average of 13. In the longest format of cricket, he has scored 35 against Australia in Sydney.
He stated that the Test was his favourite format when he announced his retirement, but he will still be eligible to play in 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,” he stated in a statement. “Since it is by far my favourite game format, I had to make a difficult decision. I am the cricket player I am today because of the struggles I have faced both on and off the pitch, Klassen said. “I’m happy I was able to represent my nation; it has been an amazing journey. The most priceless cap I have ever been given is my baggy Test cap, Klassen continued.
South Africa will play seven Test matches in 2024, two against Bangladesh and two against the West Indies. After that, they will play one Test match against Pakistan and two against Sri Lanka. However, South Africa will not play another Test match between January 2025 and September 2026 following that one.
