Proteas all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius has retired from international cricket with immediate effect.
Pretorius played three Tests, 27 ODIs and 30 T20Is from 2017 to 2022.
“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,” said Pretorius.
“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.”
‘Shifting my focus to T20 cricket’
Pretorius recently represented the Samp Army in the Abu Dhabi T10. He has also played in the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League and The Hundred. He will be with Durban’s Super Giants for the inaugural edition of the SA20.
“I am shifting my focus to T20 cricket and other shorter formats for the rest of my career,” he added.
“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.”
Pretorius praises Sammons, Nosworthy, etc
Pretorius thanked, among others, current Proteas batting coach Justin Sammons and new Cricket South Africa director of cricket Enoch Nkwe.
“I would like to thank everyone who played a big role in my career,” said Pretorius. “These are all the coaches, trainers and physios who supported me:
- “Enoch Nkwe (Lions Colts coach);
- “Riaan Nieuwoudt (School coach);
- “Monty Jacobs (North West coach);
- “Gordon Parsons (Lions bowling coach);
- “Dave Nosworthy (Lions coach);
- “Russell Domingo (Proteas coach);
- “Justin Sammons (Batting coach);
- “Ottis Gibson (Proteas coach);
- “Craig Govender (Proteas and Lions physiotherapist);
- “Geoffrey Toyana (Lions coach);
- “Jeff lanskey (Lions fitness coach); and
- “Mark Boucher (Proteas Coach).”
Pretorius thankful to Nortje, Shamsi and more
Pretorius also expressed gratitude to former international and provincial team-mates, including Proteas seamer Anrich Nortje and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.
“All the players I have played with and against over the years you have had an impact on my career,” he continued. “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;
- Stephen Cook;
- Tabraiz Shamsi;
- Anrich Nortje; and
- Neil McKenzie.
Special mentions for Agathagelou and du Plessis
Pretorius also thanked former North West team-mate Andrea Agathagelou and ex-Proteas captain Faf du Plessis.
“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,” said Pretorius.
“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.”
Family gratitude, too
Pretorius played 38 and 17 first-class fixtures for North West and the Lions, respectively.
“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,” said Pretorius.
“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.”
What Nkwe said on behalf of Cricket South Africa
Nkwe, who succeeded former Cricket South Africa director of cricket Graeme Smith in June 2022, thanked Pretorius.
“We would like to thank Dwaine for all his services to South African cricket. He has always represented the badge with the utmost pride, determination and commitment, leaving everything on the field every time he pulled on the Proteas shirt,” concluded Nkwe.
“His all-round ability added to his value as a player and his quality will no doubt be missed. Go well Dwaine, we wish you well in the next step of your career.”