Former South Africa Women’s captain Mignon du Preez has announced retirement from ODI and Test format with immediate effect. She wants to concentrate solely on T20 cricket and also spend more time with family now. South Africa are set to make a comeback in the Test format in June this year during the England tour. They had last played in the format in 2014 when Du Preez was the skipper of the side.
The 32-year-old made her international debut in 2007 and is retiring as the most capped South Africa Women’s player in the ODIs. She scored 3760 runs at an average of almost 33 with 18 fifties and two centuries to her name. In the only Test she played back in 2014, Du Preez scored a brilliant century against India in Mysore.
Mignon du Preez scored her last fifty against India during the final league stage game of the recently concluded World Cup. It was also South Africa’s record chase in the ODI format. Speaking about her retirement, Du Preez stated that she was fortunate enough to play for her country all these years but is now looking forward to spend time with family and start her own family soon.
“I’ve been wonderfully fortunate to play in four ICC ODI World Cups to date. These have been some of my most treasured memories in life. I would however love to prioritise time with my family and hopefully start a family of my own soon,” she said in the statement issued by Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Right time to focus on T20 cricket and retire from longer formats, says Mignon du Preez
Mignon du Preez further felt that it was the right time to hand over the baton in the longer format. However, she will continue to feature in T20Is for South Africa. “I feel 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 decided to retire from ODI cricket at the completion of our recent World Cup in New Zealand.
“I feel 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 to grow this beautiful game of ours,” she added. Pholetsi Moseki, Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Officer, lauded Du Preez for her contribution to Women’s cricket in South Africa and hoped that she will contribute to the game even after retirement.
“Mignon is a 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; that anything is possible through dedication, determination, and ever-lasting inquisitiveness to your craft while maintaining kindness and humility.
“Although CSA is saddened by her departure from the longer formats of the game after more than 150 caps and 3,000 runs, we will take solace from the legacy she leaves behind and await with pleasure to witness how she will continue contributing to the game she holds so dear to her heart,” he said.
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