- Proteas all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius has announced his unexpected retirement from international cricket.
- The 33-year-old has played 30 T20Is, 27 ODIs and three Tests for Proteas in his six-year international career.
- Pretorius said he wants to be a “free agent” and will continue to play T20 leagues around the world.
Proteas all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius has confirmed his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.
Cricket South Africa confirmed in a press release on Monday that Pretorius has decided to end his six-year career at Proteas.
Pretorius, who made his international debut against Ireland in an ODI in 2016, has represented South Africa in all three formats: playing in 30 T20Is, 27 ODIs and three Tests.
The 33-year-old has also been a part of two World Cups, but was ruled out of last year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
Pretorius’ last match for Proteas was in October last year, where he suffered a broken left thumb during the third T20I match against India in Indore after conceding 3 for 26.
“We want to thank Dwaine for all his services to South African cricket. He has always represented the badge with the utmost pride, determination and commitment, giving it his all on the pitch every time he donned the Proteas jersey,” said CSA Director Grillo , Enoch Nkwe.
“His overall ability added to his value as a player and his quality will no doubt be missed. Good luck Dwaine, we wish you the best in the next step of your career.”
In his statement, Pretorius said he’s excited to be a free agent, which will help him balance his family and career.
“I left the Proteas team knowing that every time I stepped on the field, I gave everything I had in me. From playing with toes, fingers, and torn muscles, to carrying drinks, team meetings, and helping other players where he could. “Pretorius wrote.
“It’s been great. Thank you to all the fans for your support and love, you made it very special.”
Pretorius impressed in the T20I arena and holds the record for the best figures by a South African bowler in T20I with his 5-17 against Pakistan in 2021.
Later that year, he claimed nine wickets and 261 runs at a strike rate of 164.15 at the ICC T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
His performances for Proteas have earned him seasons in leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League, The Hundred, Caribbean Premier League and the upcoming SA20.
Pretorius will be in action for the Durban Super Giants in the inaugural SA20, which kicks off on Tuesday.
The Durban Super Giants begin their campaign against Joburg Super Kings in Kingsmead on Wednesday (17:30).
The Pretorius statement is as follows:
“A few days ago, I made one of the toughest decisions of my cricket career. I have decided to retire from all forms of international cricket.
“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 changing 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-form player I can be. By doing this, I’ll be able to better balance my career and family life.”
“I would like to thank everyone who played an important role in my career. These are all the coaches, physical trainers and physiotherapists who supported me:
“Enoch Nkwe (Colts – Lions Coach), Riaan Nieuwoudt (School Coach), Monty Jacobs (North West), Gordon Parsons (Lions Bowling Coach), Dave Nosworthy (Lions Coach), Russell Domingo (Proteas), Justin Sammons (Hitting Coach), Ottis Gibson (Proteas), Graig Govender (Physio Proteas and Lions), Geoffrey Toyana (Lions Coach), Jeff Lanskey (Lions Fitness) and Mark Boucher (Proteas Coach).
“All the players I’ve played with and played against over the years have had an impact on my career. It’s very difficult to single out just one or two because there are so many players who made an impact, but I can name a few. lucky to spend a lot of time with:
“Hardus Viljoen, Chris Morris, Nicky van den Bergh, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Steven Cook, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje, Neil Mackenzie and a special mention to Andrea Agathagelou, we spent hours and hours training together in an effort to reach our goal of playing for the Proteas, I certainly would not be where I am today without all of your help and support.
“A special mention to Faf du Plessis, who brought me back after I was sacked from the international team the first time and who supported me and helped me become a better player, thank you.
“To my mum, dad and brother. During my early days as a cricketer, they made many sacrifices to help me achieve my dream. They drove all over the North West and South Africa supporting me, spent the December holidays by the cricket ground and much more Without your support I would never have gotten to where I am.
“Lastly, my wife and son. They have supported me the whole time, never letting me feel bad about being gone for weeks and months. No matter how hard it was, they always encouraged and supported me.
“I left the Proteas team knowing that every time I stepped on the field, I gave everything I had in me. From playing with toes, fingers, and torn muscles, to carrying drinks, team meetings, and helping other players where he could. He has been great.
“Thank you to all the fans for your support and love, you made it very special.”
