South Africa's Rory Kleinveldt Retires From Red-Ball Cricket

South Africa bowler Rory Kleinveldt, on Thursday, announced his retirement from first-class that spanned nearly two decades. The right-arm pacer also plied his trade for Cape Cobras, Hampshire and Northamptonshire.

His last international appearance came way back in 2013 when he played in the Centurion Test against Pakistan. He, however, was an active cricketer in domestic arena and county circuit in England. The 35-year old announced his retirement after Cape Cobras’ six-wicket loss against the Warriors in the 4-Day Franchise Series, at Newlands.

He took to Twitter to announce the news, writing:

“Finally lost the love for the toil !!! Been a great ride n made some unbelievable memories!! Love to all my teammates, coaches, family n friends for the support over the 17 years!”

Finally lost the love for the toil !!! Been a great ride n made some unbelievable memories!! Love to all my teammates,coaches,family n friends for the support over the 17 years!

— Rory Kleinveldt (@RoryK_9) January 17, 2019

In another tweet, he pointed out that he was retiring from only red-ball cricket, tweeting:

Sorry guys meant to #redball

— Rory Kleinveldt (@RoryK_9) January 17, 2019

Kleinveldt started playing county cricket in 2008 when he plied his trade for Hampshire. But after 2013, he played for Northamptonshire.  He had an impressive season in 2015 when he picked up 57 wickets in county championship and did well in the T20s too as Northants made it to the T20 final day that season. Just a few months after that impressive season, he confirmed that he was no more interested in playing international cricket.

Overall, in his short international career, he picked up 10 Tests wickets in 4 games and 12 wickets in 10 ODIs. In his 17-year long, first-class career, he picked up 454 wickets at an average of 27.98