Faf du Plessis has announced shocking retirement from red-ball cricket. It is a shocking decision taken by the right-handed batsman, who was playing in good form with the bat. He will now continue playing in white-ball cricket for South Africa. But, he has called his time off from the longer format.
The 36-year-old made his Test debut back in 2012 against Australia in Adelaide. He showcased his talent in the debut game and scored vital knocks of 78 and 110 runs in respective innings. He has played alongside some of the biggest stars like Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn, and others. He also holds the honor of leading the national side across all the formats for a long span.
Faf du Plessis Signs Out From Test Cricket
Faf du Plessis donned a national jersey in 69 Tests and amassed 4163 runs with the bat. He also got 10 tons and 21 fifties with his willow for South Africa. Undoubtedly he is reckoned as one of the finest batsmen in the history of Proteas cricket history.
In a statement, Faf du Plessis said that he is focused on playing the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in 2021 and 2022. He will also continue playing in the ODI format. He added that after having a discussion with CSA he has come to a conclusion to sign off from red-ball cricket.
“It has been a year of refinement in the fire for us all. Uncertain were the times, but they brought clarity for me in many respects. My heart is clear and the time is right to walk Into a new chapter. It has been an honor to play for my country in all the formats of the game, but the time has come for me to retire from Test cricket,” du Plessis wrote in his retirement statement.
“If someone had told me 15 years ago, that I would play 69 Test matches for South Africa and captain the side, I wouldn’t have believed them. I stand in a place of utmost gratitude for a test career full of blessings bestowed on me. Every high and low has shaped me into the man I am proud to stand as today. In all things, those instances worked towards the good of who I believe I am today.”
“The next two years are ICC T20 World cup years. Because of this, my focus is shifting to this format and I want to play as much of it as possible around the world so that I can be the best player I can possibly be. I strongly believe that I have a lot to offer to Proteas in this format. This does not mean that ODI cricket is no longer in the plans, I’m just making T20 cricket the priority in the short-term,” wrote du Plessis.
“I will be in conversation with CSA over the next couple of months on what the future might look like for me over the next year to find a solution that works for both of us.
“For now, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who had an influence on my Test career. I would like to single out my wife and family in particular – I would not have been able to do without their support during the unforgettable journey that Test cricket has taken me on, To my coaches, teammates and support staff over the years, I would you like to give a note of thanks and of course, to Cricket South Africa for the opportunity to be able to represent and lead my country in the pinnacle of the game we all love. It has been an incredible journey, with many stories that I look forward to one day sharing.”
