Faf Du Plessis (Getty Images)
Faf Du Plessis (Getty Images)

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis announced his retirement from Test cricket on the morning of February 17, 2021. Having made his debut in the format in 2012 against Australia, Du Plessis was looking to end his career against the same opposition when they toured the rainbow nation.

However, with Cricket Australia postponing their Test tour to South Africa amidst COVID concerns, Du Plessis stated that it was the right time to walk away from the longest format of the game. He last played Tests against Pakistan recently and managed to score 23, 10, 17, and 5 in four innings of the two-Test matches, putting question marks over his future in the format.

Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis. Image Credits: Twitter

At 36, Du Plessis is not any younger and the batsman realized himself and has decided to walk away, despite making a brilliant 199 against Sri Lanka at home before the Pakistan tour.

Faf Du Plessis Statement On Retirement From Test Cricket

Regarded as one of the best batsmen to play for South Africa, Faf du Plessis played 69 Tests, making 4163 runs at an average of 40.02 with 10 centuries and 21 half-centuries to his name. Taking to Instagram, Faf du Plessis also shared a statement regarding his retirement announcement.

“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 honour to play for my country in all the formats of the game, but the time has come for me to retire from Test cricket,” Faf started his statement.

Faf Du Plessis
Faf Du Plessis (Getty Images)

He also revealed the real reason behind his retirement and that is preparing and making himself available for the South African team for the upcoming two T20 World Cups to be played in India in 2021 and in Australia in 2022.

“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 the 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,” Du Plessis reasoned.

Also Read: Breaking News: Faf du Plessis Retires From Test Cricket

Read the full statement here:

 

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