South Africa batsman Hashim Amla retires from international cricket

New Delhi, Aug 8: South Africa batsman Hashim Amla has called time on his illustrious international careers as he announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on Thursday (August 8).

The 36-year-old right-handed will continue to be available for domestic cricket as well as for South Africa's domestic cricket league, Mzansi Super League.

Amla holds the record for being the fastest batsman ever to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 ODI runs. He was also the fastest to reach 10 ODI centuries. An elegant right-handed top-order batsman, Amla overcame a shaky start in international cricket, during which his technique was criticised, to become one of South Africa's all-time leading batsmen. He hit 55 centuries in a 15-year international career, including South Africa's highest Test score of 311 not out against England at The Oval in 2012.

#BreakingNews @amlahash today called time on one of the great international careers of the modern era when he announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. He will continue to be available for domestic cricket as well as the Mzansi Super League. #AmlaRetires pic.twitter.com/l9qgnt0661

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 8, 2019

He said in a statement released by Cricket South Africa: "Firstly, all glory and thanks to the Almighty for granting me this Proteas journey which has been nothing but a joy and privilege.

"I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called #proteafire.

"I would like to thank my parents for their prayers, love and support, it is their shadow over me that enabled me to play for years under the Protea sun.

"Also, My family, friends and agent, my team-mates and every member of the support staff throughout this incredible journey. A heartfelt thank you to every one of you.

"The fans for energising me when times were tough, and for celebrating with me when we succeeded together. Siyabonga South Africa.

"And, of course, a very special thanks to the President and the Board at Cricket South Africa - not forgetting the Chief Executive, Mr Thabang Moroe, and his administrative team. I really appreciate all the opportunities and am truly grateful.

"Love and peace."

His ODI career was equally successful as he was ranked among the best batsmen in this format for an extended period of time for much of that period having an average in excess of 50 and a strike rate of 100. #AmlaRetires #ThankYouHash #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/6tWQ1IVfmB

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 8, 2019

Amla has played 124 Tests for South Africa and amassed 9282 runs at an average of 46.6. The stylish right-handed batsman slammed 28 centuries and 41 half-centuries in the longest format of the game with 311* being his highest total.

He has scored 8113 ODI runs in 181 matches and slammed 27 tons, 39 fifties. He averaged 49.5 in the 50-over format.

Amla has also played 44 T20Is for the Proteas and scored 1277 runs with 97* being his personal best. He posted eight fifty-plus totals in T20I.

In the T20, however, he has posted two hundred-plus totals.

Amla is the second South African star to retire in a week. Earlier, pacer Dale Steyn too announced his retirement from Test cricket.