Heinrich Klaasen Retires From Test Cricket With Immediate Effect, SRH Star To Continue Playing White Ball Format For South Africa

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South Africa and Sunrisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen on Monday (January 8) announced a shock retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect, but makes himself available for the Proteas in white ball cricket.

The 32-year-old, who is a prolific run-getter in the limited overs formats, had played four Tests over his four-year red ball career since debuting against India in Ranchi in 2019, and last featured in a Test against West Indies in 2023.

The wicketkeeper-batter scored 104 runs at an average of 13 from his four Tests with his highest score being 35 against Australia in Sydney. Although he is an immediate pick in white ball formats, Klaasen was out of reckoning in Tests for South Africa.

The batter took to social media to make this announcement in which he said he was retiring from his favourite format, but will continue to be available for selection in the limited-overs game.

"After a few sleepless nights wondering if I am making the right decision, I have decided to retire from red-ball cricket. It's a difficult decision that I have made because it is by far my favourite format of the game," Klaasen said in a statement.

"The battles that I faced on and off the field have made me the cricketer I am today. It has been a great journey and I am glad I could have represented my country. My baggy Test cap is the most precious cap I have ever been handed."

The Proteas' recent Test team against India featured three other wicketkeeper-batters - Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs, who are likely to continue in the role for the years to come.

With Klaasen likely to be involved in various T20 leagues and with the 32-year-old being out of contention for a Test spot, this news was inevitable. Klaasen becomes the second player in the space of a month to announce their retirement from Test cricket.

Last week, Dean Elgar played his final international match when he captain South Africa in the second Test defeat to India. Klaasen's retirement is also the second Proteas wicketkeeper-batter to call it quits from red ball game.

In 2021, Quinton de Kock, who has also announced his retirement from ODIs, had announced his retirement from Test cricket, but makes himself available for T20Is.