Heinrich Klaasen has announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket, Cricket South Africa announced in a statement on Monday, January 8. The 32-year-old played for the Proteas in four Test matches, the last of which was in March of last year against the West Indies.
Despite having a strong first-class record (an average of 46.09 from 85 matches), Klaasen primarily supported Quinton de Kock in Test matches. During the 2019 Indian tour, he made a breakthrough and won his first cap in Ranchi. He added to his one cap over nearly four years before making appearances in Sydney, Centurion, and Johannesburg in 2023.
He scored a maximum of 35 runs out of a total of just 104 runs, and Kyle Verreynne eventually took his place in the starting lineup. After having a very successful 2023 in which he struck at 172.71 in T20s and 140.66 in ODI cricket, Klaasen will now devote all of his efforts to the white-ball game.
“I have decided to retire from red-ball cricket after a few restless nights wondering if I am making the correct choice. Since it is by far my preferred game format, I had to make a difficult decision,” Klaasen remarked. “I became the cricket player I am today because of the struggles I overcame both on and off the pitch. It has been an amazing experience, and I’m happy that I had the opportunity to represent my nation.
“The most priceless cap I have ever received is my baggy Test cap. I’m grateful to everyone who helped me become the cricket player I am today and who contributed to my red-ball career. For now, though, I am eager for a fresh task that lies ahead.”