“Making T20 cricket a priority in the short term” recalling both World Cups, he says
Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has retired from Test cricket after 69 appearances in form. Without a test cricket in the future for South Africa, du Plessis wants to “walk into a new chapter” and focus his energy and attention specifically on T20 cricket, remembering both Cups World Record recorded in 2021 and 2022.
“It’s been a year of development in the fire for all of us. The times were uncertain, but they gave me clarity in many ways. My heart is clear and it’s the right time to walk in. It ‘s been an honor to play for my country in all forms of the game, but it’ s time for me to retire from test cricket, “du Plessis said in the statement posted on his Instagram account. “If someone had told me 15 years ago that I would be playing 69 Test matches for South Africa and captaining a side, I would not have believed them.
“I stand in a position of gratitude for a trial course full of blessings bestowed upon me. All highs and lows have shaped me into the one I am proud to stand as it is today. All in all, those times worked for the good of what I believe I am today. “
Du Plessis, now 36, made his first test trip to Adelaide on the 2012-13 South Africa tour, and was named Player of the Match for his 78 and 110 not out in memorable drawing – South Africa’s stonework du Plessis helped out four and a half sessions on a throwing range. He went on to hit ten centuries and 21 half-centuries in Tests, finishing with 4163 runs at an average of 40.02.
“The next two years are the years of the ICC T20 World Cup. Because of this, my focus is shifting to this shape and I want to play as much of it around the world as I can. to be the best player I can be “
Faf du Plessis
He became a Test captain, following AB de Villiers, in 2016, and led South Africa in 36 Trials, before retiring in February 2020 after the home series against England, who lost South Africa 3-1. Du Plessis finished with a Positive Test captains record, with 18 wins and 15 losses, the defenders accumulating more towards the final stage of his career after South Africa completed 17 of the 27 Tests. he was driven into earning. Between the start of 2019 and the end of his tenure, South Africa lost eight Tests, a run that began with the 2-0 home win to Sri Lanka in February 2019.
Du Plessis, a veteran of 143 ODIs and 50 T20Is, will still be available for selection in both restricted formats, and has been said to want to be part of the action at the T20 World Cup, which is being is expected to be held later this year in India.
“The next two years are the years of the ICC T20 World Cup. Because of this, my focus is shifting to this shape and I want to play as much of it around the world as I can. to be the best player I can be, “he said. “I strongly believe I have a lot to offer the Proteas in this format. This does not mean that ODI cricket is no longer in the plans, I am just making T20 cricket a priority in the short term. time.
“I will be talking to CSA over the next month or two about what the future would look like for me over the next year to find a solution that works for both of us.”
More to follow…