Former South African captain Faf du Plessis announces retirement from Test cricket
South African batsman Faf du Plessis has announced retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. Former Captain decided it call it quits in the five-day format in order to prolog his white-ball career for South Africa.
The 36-year old clearly struggled to score runs in the recently concluded two-match Test series against Pakistan. He made a formal announcement on 17th February after Australia’s tour of South Africa due to new covid-19 variant in South Africa.
He also once again posted on his social media account that this is right time to walk way and gave way youngsters to showcase their skills in Test cricket.
On his Test debut against South Africa in 2012, Faf du Plessis smashed a splendid fourth innings century to help South Africa escape with a famous draw. He went on to play 69 Test matches for South Africa. In five-day format, he accumulated 4163 runs at an average of 40.02 with 10 centuries and 21 half-centuries to his name.
His career-best performance in five-day format came against Sri Lanka at Super Sport Park in Centurion in a Boxing Day Test played last year. He expressed his utmost gratitude for all those who have supported in his cricketing journey.
In 2016, AB De Villiers decided to take a break from cricket and relinquished Test captaincy. Faf du Plessis was appointed new-Test captain of the side. He led South Africa in 36 Test matches, winning 18 and losing 15, with three matches ending in a draw. After suffering comprehensive defeat in Basil D’Oliveira Trophy played against England in South Africa, Faf du Plessis decided to give up Test captaincy.
With back-to-back T20 World Cups coming up, Faf du Plessis has decided to make white-ball cricket his priority. Because of this scenario, du Plessis has decided to deliver his best for South Africa in the 20-over format.
CSA Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith said, “Faf du Plessis has been a world-class cricketer for South Africa for almost a decade. He has been a great servant for South Africa Cricket and I would congratulate him for his tremendous career in the five-day format.”
