South African batsman Mignon du Preez on Thursday announced his retirement from Test and ODI cricket with immediate effect.
The 32-year-old du Preez played 154 ODIs for the Proteas and also featured in a Test match against India in 2014. The reason for his decision to retire from Tests and ODIs is to focus on T20 cricket and spend more time with family.
“I have been surprisingly fortunate to have played in four ICC ODI World Cups so far. These are some of the most treasured memories of my life. However, I would prefer to make time with my family a priority and hope to start my own family soon.”
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“I think the time is right to announce my retirement from the longer format of the game and focus my attention on T20 cricket going forward. Thus, I have decided to retire from ODI cricket upon the completion of our recent World Cup in New Zealand,” du Preez said in a statement.
Middle-order batsman Du Preez made his international debut in 2007 as a teenager. Apart from starring in 154 ODIs, she was the captain of the South Africa team in 46 of them. She ends her ODI career as South Africa’s leading run-scorer with 3,760 runs at an average of 32.98, including 18 half-centuries and two centuries, with the highest score of 116 not out against Ireland in 2016.
“I think South African women’s cricket is in a very healthy state and the time is right to step away and allow the next generation of exciting cricketers to continue playing this beautiful game of ours. I would like to thank Cricket South Africa and everyone on the Board for their continued support throughout my ODI career.”
In the recently concluded ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, du Preez played her 150th ODI against New Zealand and scored her final half-century in the format with an unbeaten 52 and led South Africa to a thrilling 275 against India in Christchurch. inspired to follow. In his only Test appearance, du Preez scored a century (102) on debut against India in 2014, South Africa’s last Test match to date.
“I am extremely grateful for the honor of representing my country in 154 ODIs and for the opportunity to captain my country at the highest level. To Momentum, the sponsor of our team, and to all our fans, thank you for your continued support. Lastly, I would like to thank our management and my teammates for making our ODI journey a memorable one,” concluded du Preez.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Foletsi Mosecki thanked du Preez for her services in Tests and ODIs and called her the ‘modern pioneer of women’s cricket’.
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“Mignon is the champion of women’s cricket in South Africa and the world at large. A true example for any young girl who wants to take up the sport; Anything is possible through dedication, determination and an everlasting curiosity towards your craft, while maintaining kindness and humility.”
“While CSA is saddened by her departure from the longer formats of the game after over 150 caps and 3,000 runs, we will take solace from the legacy she leaves behind and look forward to seeing her return to her game. How will you continue to contribute. Very dear to her heart.”
“CSA would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Mignon for her unwavering commitment and counting over the past 15 years. Her performances on the field as well as how she has carried herself is a sign that she has always been a part of women’s cricket. Why will be remembered as one of the modern pioneers.”
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