South Africa's Hashim Amla announces retirement from international cricket

South African cricketer Hashim Amla on Thursday announced retirement from all formats of international cricket, bringing a curtain down to an illustrious career spanning 15 years during which he scored more than 18,000 runs across formats. 

Amla played 349 matches across the three formats, making more than 18,000 runs, including 55 centuries and 88 fifties. Amla has the record of scoring South Africa’s only Test triple century to date and has made the highest Test scores for his country against England, India and the West Indies.

He is also the highest run-scorer against Australia in the post-unity period.

He was ranked world's No 1 Test batsman in 2013.

His ODI career was equally illustrious as he was ranked among the best batsmen in this format and is the quickest batsman to reach the landmarks of 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6,000 and 7,000 runs in the format. He had an average of 50 plus and a strike rate of over 100 for a long period of time. 

He also captained the Test team for a brief period during which he led the Proteas to a rare Test series win in Sri Lanka.

He was named SA Cricketer of the Year in 2010 and again in 2013.

“Firstly, all Glory and thanks to the Almighty for granting me this Proteas journey which has been nothing but a joy and privilege,” Amla said in a statement posted on Cricket South Africa website. 

“I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called #proteafire," he added. 

“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!" Amla said. 

He also thanked the fans for "energising me when times were tough, and for celebrating with me when we succeeded together."

“It is always sad to bid farewell to one of the true legends of the game,” Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Thabang Moroe commented.

“But at the same time, this is rather an occasion to celebrate the richness that Hashim has brought to the game around the world both on and off the field. His humility has always been his standout quality and I cannot imagine a better role model to teach us all how to lead better lives. He has added great value not only to the Proteas but to the country at large," Moroe said.