South Africa star batter Heinrich Klaasen retires from Test cricket after Dean Elgar’s ‘s farewell Test match

South African star cricketer Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from Test cricket on January 8. Notably, the wicketkeeper batter last played the Test game against India at Newlands Cricket Stadium in Cape Town. However, the Proteas lost the Test game after failing to show batting brilliance against Indian pacers.

The star cricketer made his Test debut on February 18, 2018, against India, and he played his last Test game against the same visiting side. In addition, the middle-order batter has only played four Test matches while scoring 104 runs, the highest score of 35 runs in his cricketing career. Meanwhile, Klaasen is available for selection in the white-ball game.

The 32-year-old cricketer revealed that he had made the right decision after thinking much about it. In addition, the middle-order batter says that the Test format has been his best format so far in his career. The Pretoria-born cricketer is extremely glad to play the longest format of games for his national side, which makes him the greatest cricketer.

“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. 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,” Heinrich Klaasen said being quoted by Cricbuzz.

Thanks to everyone that has played a part in my red-ball career: Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen has thanked his coach, family members, and friends who have supported him immensely in his Test career. Furthermore, the star cricketer is looking to continue his ODI and T20I games with some new challenges.

“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,” he added further.