Hashim Amla announces retirement from all forms of international cricket

Hashim Amla has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. Amla, who made his debut in 2004 against India, retires from international cricket with 9282 runs in 124 Tests at an average of close to 46.64 and 8113 runs in 181 ODIs at an average of just under 50. Amla has long been considered as one of the best players South Africa have ever produced and his retirement will leave a big void after the retirement of Dale Steyn from Tests and JP Duminy from all formats after the end of the World Cup.

In a statement released by Hashim Amla, the 36-year-old gave a heartfelt tribute to his South Africa teammates, family and the fans for being with him as well as the Cricket South Africa Board.

"I would like to thank my parents for their prayers, love and support, it is their shadow over me that enabled me to play for years under the Protea sun. Also, my family, friends and agent, my team mates and every member of the support staff throughout this incredible journey. A heartfelt thank you to every one of you! The fans for energizing me when times were tough, and for celebrating with me when we succeeded together. Siyabonga South Africa!", Amla said.

The right-hander holds plenty of records for South Africa. He is the first Proteas player to score a triple century in Tests when he smashed 311 against England at The Oval in 2012. After a tough start to his Test career, Amla announced himself on the world stage when he smashed 149 in 2006 in a Test against New Zealand.

2010 and 2012 proved to be the most successful years in Amla's career. In 2010, he smashed 253 and 123 against India and he remained unbeaten in the entire series as he averaged 78 with 1249 runs in 13 Tests. In 2012, his contributions in England and Australia helped South Africa do a repeat of their 2008 success.

However, his form dipped in the subsequent years and the last couple of years proved to be turbulent with not a single century. In the 2019 World Cup, Amla blasted 80 in his final league game against Sri Lanka but the tournament was a disaster for South Africa as they won only three out of nine games to finish seventh in the table and once again stumble in a big ICC event.

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Hashim Amla made his Test debut in 2004 against India.
• Amla is the only South African to hit a triple century in Tests.
• Amla has an average of under 50 in ODIs and 46 in Tests.