Hashim Amla Retires from International Cricket

South African cricketer Hashim Amla announces retirement from international cricket.

After 15 years of playing cricket for South Africa, the 36 year old retires from all forms of the game.

Amla has played 124 Test matches for South Africa and scored 9282 runs at an average of 46.41. Amla made his test debut in 2004 against India at one of the most iconic grounds in World Cricket, Eden Gardens.

Against England at The Oval in 2012, he scored 311 runs, which is still the record for the highest individual Test score by any South African batsman.

He last played a test match for South Africa in February against Sri Lanka.

Amla, while announcing his retirement, firstly thanked the almighty for his journey with South Africa.

“Firstly, all glory and thanks to the almighty for granting me this Proteas journey which has been nothing but a joy and privilege,” Amla was quoted saying.

“I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood.”

He then thanked his parents and fellow people within the South African cricket along with the fans.

“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 Proteas sun,” he added.

“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.”

He ended by expressing his gratitude towards the president and CEO of South African Cricket, which recently  sacked its coach to undergo a change in the structure of the team’s support staff.

“And, of course, a very special thanks to the president and the board at Cricket South Africa – not forgetting chief executive officer Thabang Moroe, and his administrative team. I really appreciate all the opportunities and am truly grateful. Love and peace.”

Though he made his test debut in 2004, it took him four more years to enter the One Day arena, but once he did, boy did he perform!

He has been one of the most consistent performers in the 50 over format for South Africa, and kept breaking multiple records over his playing career.

He holds the record for being the fastest ever to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs, and he is also the fastest cricketer to reach almost every number between 15 and 20 ODI centuries.

He is only the fourth person to have scored ODI centuries against all Test playing countries.

He was named the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2013.

Amla has played 181 ODIs, scoring 8113 runs at an excellent average of 49.47.

Amla also played 44 T20 Internationals, scoring 1277 runs at a strike rate of 132.

After AB de Villiers retired a few moths back, the news of the retirement of Dale Steyn from Test Cricket came out very recently. Amla’s retirement will not be really good for South Africa, who are currently struggling to bring in quality batsmen.

It should also come as a surprise after captain Faf duPlesis recently stated that Amla will not be retiring after the World Cup.

“He said he wants to keep going, so I think, you leave it to a great player to make that decision himself,” du Plessis had said.