Faf Du Plessis Announces Retirement From Test Cricket, Will Continue Playing ODIs, IPL And & Prioritise T20s

The 36-year old South African batsman has announced that he would discontinue from Test match cricket on Wednesday. Du Plessis said he wants to focus more on limited overs cricket, thus. He made this announcement via Instagram.

(File Photo/ Getty Images)

"My heart is clear and the time is right to walk into a new chapter," wrote ex-South Africa captain Faf du Plessis on Instagram as he bids adieu to the longest format of the sport. He made his Test debut in November 2012 against Australia. He had scored 199 runs in a recent innings against Sri Lanka in Centurion. Although, his form in the recently concluded Test series against Pakista was dismal.

But current form is not the basis of retirement for the SA batsman. He said that he wanted to focus more on the limited format of the game and thus he is taking this decision. He wrote: "The next two years are ICC T20 World cup years. Because of this, my focus is shifting to this format and I want to play as much of it as possible around the world so that I can be the best player I can possibly be. I strongly believe that I have a lot to offer to the Proteas in this format. This does not mean that ODI cricket is no longer in the plans, I'm just making T20 cricket the priority in the short-term."

He announced the retirement on Instagram:

He will continue playing in the T20 format but did not confirm anything about his involvement in the ODI side. Faf has played 69 Tests, scoring 4,163 runs at an average of 40. He has 10 centuries and 21 half-centuries in his name. 

READ FULL STATEMENT OF FAF DU PLESSIS ON RETIRING FROM TEST CRICKET 

"It has been a year of refinement in the fire for us all. Uncertain were the times, but they brought clarity for me in many respects. My heart is clear and the time is right to walk into a new chapter. It has been an honour to play for my country in all the formats of the game, but the time has come for me to retire from Test cricket. 
If someone had told me 15 years ago, that I would play 69 Test matches for South Africa and captain the side, I would have believed them. I stand in place of utmost gratitude for a test career full of blessings bestowed on me. Every high and low has shaped me into the man I am proud to stand as today. In all things, those instances worked towards the good of who I believe I’m today.
The next two years are ICC World Cup years. Because of this, my focus is shifting to this format and I want to play as much of it as possible around the world so that I can be the best player I can possible be. I strongly believe that I have a lot to offer to the Proteas in this format. This does not mean that ODI cricket is no longer in the plans. I'm just making T20 cricket the priority in the short-term. 
I will be in conversation with CSA over the next couple of months on what the future might look for me over the next year to find a solution that works for both of us. 
For now, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who had an influence on my Test career. I would like to single out my wife and family in particular - I would not have been able to do this without their support during the unforgettable journey that Test cricket has taken me on. To my coaches, teammates and support staff over the years, I would also like to five a note of thanks and of course, to Cricket South Africa for the opportunity to be able to represent and lead my country in the pinnacle of the game we all love. It has been an incredible journey, with many stories that I look forward to one day sharing."