South Africa all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius has retired from all forms of international cricket, the country's cricket board announced on January 09 (Monday). Cricket South Africa (CSA) in a statement said that the 33-year-old Pretorius has taken the decision to walk away from international cricket in order to focus on T20 and other shorter formats.
“A few days ago, I made one of the toughest decisions of my cricketing career. I have decided to retire from all forms of international cricket," Pretorius said in a statement posted by CSA.
"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.
"I would like to thank everyone who played a big role in my career. These are all the coaches, trainers and physios who supported me:
Enoch Nkwe (Coach Colts – Lions), Riaan Nieuwoudt (school coach), Monty Jacobs (North West), Gordon Parsons (Lions Bowling Coach), Dave Nosworthy (Lions Coach), Russell Domingo (Proteas), Justin Sammons (Batting 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 have played with and against over the years you have had an impact on my career. It’s so difficult to highlight only one or two because there are so many players that had an impact, but I can mention a few I was fortunate 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 has to go to Andrea Agathagelou, we spent hours and hours training together in an effort to reach our goal in playing for the Proteas. Without a doubt I would not be where I am today without all your help and support."
"A special mention goes to Faf Du Plessis, who brought me back after being let go from the international side the first time and who backed me and helped me become a better player; thank you.
"To my Mom, Dad and Brother. During my early cricket playing days you made so many sacrifices to help me reach my dream. Driving all over North West and South Africa supporting me, spending December holidays next to the cricket field and so much more. Without your support I would have never gotten to where I am.
"Lastly, my Wife and son. You have supported me all the way, never letting me feel bad about being away for weeks and months at a time. No matter how hard it was, you always kept encouraging and supporting me.
"I leave the Proteas team knowing that every time I stepped on to the field, I gave everything I had in me. From playing with broken toes, fingers and torn muscles, to carrying drinks, team meetings and helping other players wherever I could. It has been a blast.
"Thank you to all the fans for your support and love -you made it extra special," said Pretorius.
Pretorius, who plays for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), represented South Africa in three Tests, 27 ODIs and 30 T20Is. The all-rounder also participated in two World Cups for South Africa. The right-handed explosive batter scored 261 runs in 17 T20I innings at a stunning strike rate of 164.15. The white-ball specialist also bagged 35 wickets in T20Is.
