"Time is right to walk into a new chapter": South African cricketer Faf du Plessis announces retirement from Test cricket
Former South African test captain Faf du Plessis has bid adieu to the international test cricket. He announced this through a post on social media. He is also the third most successful captain of South Africa and the 10th highest Test run batsman. Du Plessis, 36, made his Test debut in November 2012. He also scored a century in his debut Test. Then du Plessis scored 78 runs in the first innings against Australia in Adelaide Test and 110 runs in the second innings. This match was a draw.
Du Plessis took to Instagram and shared his official statement with the caption, "My heart is clear and the time is right to walk into a new chapter."
In his official statement, he wrote, "It has been a year of refinement in the fire for us all. Uncertain were the times, but they brought clarity for me in many respects. My heart is clear and the time is right to walk into a new chapter. It has been an honour to play for my country in all the formats of the game, but the time has come for me to retire from Test cricket."
"If someone had told me 15 years ago, that I would play 69 Test matches for South Africa and captain the side, I wouldn't have believed them. I stand in a place of utmost gratitude for a Test career full of blessings bestowed on me. Every high and low has shaped me into the man I am proud to stand up as today. In all things, those instances worked towards the good of who I believe I am today."
"The next two years are ICC T20 World Cup years. Because of this, my focus is shifting to this format and I want to play as much of it as possible around the world so that I can be the best player I can possibly be," added Du Plessis.