South Africa great Hashim Amla announces retirement from international cricket

Sport360 staff 19:30 08/08/2019
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  • Hashim Amla has called time on his South Africa career.

    Veteran South Africa opener Hashim Amla has announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket at the age of 36.

    The opening batsman will continue to be available for domestic selection and South Africa’s Mzansi Super League.

    “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,” Amla said in a statement.

    “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, Thabang Moroe, and his administrative team.”

    The right-handed batsman retires after a nearly 15-year international career in which he went on to make 124 Test, 181 ODI and 44 T20I appearances for the Proteas.

    With 8,133 ODI runs to his name, Amla finishes his career as South Africa’s third highest run-scorer in the format and is only behind Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers.

    In Test cricket, he is only behind Kallis when it comes to Proteas batsmen with 9,282 runs to his name scored with the help of 28 tons. He is also the only South African triple centurion in the format and it came in the form of an unbeaten 311 against England at the Oval in 2012.

    He also managed to establish himself as the No1 Test batsman in the world for a period in 2013.

    Amla’s retirement comes just on the heels of veteran South Africa pacer Dale Steyn calling time on his Test career.

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