South Africa allrounder Dwaine Pretorius to focus on T20s after retiring from international cricket

Pretorius represented the Proteas 60 times after making his debut in 2016; he has decided to focus on T20 cricket

South Africa allrounder Dwaine Pretorius has retired from international cricket to focus on T20 cricket "and other shorter formats".

Pretorius, 33, represented the Proteas 60 times across formats and featured in two World Cups. His figures of 5 for 17 against Pakistan remain South Africa's best in men's T20Is.

In March, he was one of 16 players handed a central contract by Cricket South Africa.

"I am shifting my focus to T20 and other shorter formats for the rest of my career," he said.

"Being a free agent will help me achieve the goal of being the best short format player I can be. By doing this, I will be able to have a better balance in my career and family life.

Dwaine Pretorius' international career

Tests: 3 matches, 83 runs, 7 wickets, batting average 13.8, bowling average 36
ODIs: 27 matches, 192 runs, 35 wickets, batting average 16, bowling average 27.1

T20Is: 30 matches, 261 runs, 35 wickets, batting average 21.8, bowling average 19.9

"Growing up, my only goal in life was to play for the Proteas. I didn't know how it was going to happen, but God gave me talent and a serious will to succeed. The rest was in his hands.

"I leave the Proteas team knowing that every time I stepped onto the field, I gave everything I had in me. From playing with broken toes, fingers and torn muscles, to carrying drinks, team meetings and helping other players wherever I could. It has been a blast. Thank you to all the fans for your support and love -you made it extra special."

The announcement comes on the eve of the start of the inaugural SA20, South Africa's new franchise T20 tournament, where Pretorius will represent Durban Super Kings.

He also holds an Indian Premier League deal with Chennai Super Kings and featured in The Hundred for Welsh Fire in 2022.

^{Pretorius featured in The Hundred for Welsh Fire in 2022 (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)}

Enoch Knwe, CSA's director of cricket, added: "He has always represented the badge with the utmost pride, determination and commitment, leaving everything on the field every time he pulled on the Proteas shirt. His all-round ability added to his value as a player and his quality will no doubt be missed."

He made his international debut in 2016 and made his Test bow at the end of 2019, shortly after being linked with a Kolpak move to county cricket. He would only play twice more in the longest format – all three of his caps came in the same series against England – and his retirement from the international game comes immediately following his country's comprehensive series defeat in Australia. South Africa aren't scheduled to play another three-Test before 2026.

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