Gary Kirsten retires

South African batting legend Gary Kirsten has announced his retirement from international cricket at the completion of the New Zealand tour.

Kirsten, 36, was originally going to step after the tour of England in 2003, but good form and encouragement from team-mates, Kirsten decided play on. The decision to do so has been a success - Kirsten scored his 21st Test century against New Zealand at Hamilton which finished on Sunday March 14.

Kirsten will play his 100th Test against New Zealand at Auckland starting on Thursday March 18. Even though currant players Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara have scored more Test runs then Kirsten (7210 runs), Kirsten made history when was the first man to score a Test century against all nine possible opponents. Kirsten made his debut in 1993-94 in Australia as a replacement for his half brother Peter.

Upon announcing his decision: "It is a sad and emotional moment for me. I have been extremely fortunate to have had the privilege of playing for my country for so long. It has always been a massive honour to play for South Africa and I have enjoyed every moment of my career."

He explained the timing of his announcement: "My wife Deborah and I had made a decision that when our first child arrived I would retire, but with Joshua now nearly four months old it has overlapped a little. I want to wish the side all the very best in the future and hope that they will continue to go from strength to strength. I was lucky enough to play with and against some wonderful cricketers, and I take many great memories with me."

Kirsten is yet to decide whether retire from first class cricket or not. Kirsten has also captained South Africa in one Test against India in Durban in 1997/98 which the late Hanse Cronje missed.



Posted by Craig