|| CF DESK ||

South Africa wicket-keeper batter Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday.

"After a few sleepless nights wondering if I am making the right decision, I have decided to retire from red-ball cricket. It's a difficult decision that I have made because it is by far my favourite format of the game," Klassen said in a statement.

"The battles that I faced on and off the field have made me the cricketer I am today. It has been a great journey and I am glad I could have represented my country. My baggy Test cap is the most precious cap I have ever been handed," he added.

Klaasen did not reveal the reason for his sudden retirement from Test but said he will continue to be available for South Africa in the ODIs and T20Is.

The 32-year-old had a brief career in Tests, having played only four Tests after earning his debut in 2019. 

Although he did not play in the recent India series, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad implied that Klaasen would have been included in the Test team for their upcoming tours of West Indies and Bangladesh later this year.