By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Proteas all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius has announced his retirement from international cricket.
The all-rounder represented South Africa across all three formats in 30 T20 Internationals, 27 One-Day Internationals and three Tests. He has also featured at two World Cups.
In a statement on Cricket South Africa’s official website, the 33-year-old said it was one of the toughest decisions of his career to step away from international cricket.
Pretorius said that he will be shifting his focus to T20 cricket and other shorter formats. The 33-year-old thanked his coaches, teammates and family for supporting him and had a special thank you for Faf du Plessis.
“Growing up, my only goal in life was to play for the Proteas. I didn’t know how it was going to happen, but God gave me talent and a serious will to succeed. The rest was in his hands.”
“I am shifting my focus to T20 and other shorter formats for the rest of my career.”
“Being a free agent will help me achieve the goal of being the best short format player I can be. By doing this, I will be able to have a better balance in my career and family life.”
Pretorius’ final game for the Proteas was in October last year, where he sustained a left thumb fracture during the third T20I against India in Indore after he took three for 26.
“We would like to thank Dwaine for all his services to South African cricket. He has always represented the badge with the utmost pride, determination and commitment, leaving everything on the field every time he pulled on the Proteas shirt,” said CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe.
“His all-round ability added to his value as a player and his quality will no doubt be missed. Go well Dwaine, we wish you well in the next step of your career.”