South Africa batter Theunis de Bruyn retires from international cricket

The 30-year-old, who says it is time to focus on "the next chapter", scored 468 runs in 13 Test matches and also made two outings in T20I cricket

South Africa batter Theunis de Bruyn has retired from international cricket.

The 30-year-old, who made his debut in 2017 in a T20I against Sri Lanka, made 13 Test appearances and two T20I appearances for the Proteas.

He scored 468 runs at 19.50 in his short Test career, including a top score of 101 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2018, and a further 26 runs in white-ball internationals.

His retirement comes as something of a surprise given he featured in South Africa's recent Test series against Australia in December 2022.

^{De Bruyn scored a century against Sri Lanka in 2018 [Ishara Kodikara/Getty Images]}

In a statement, de Bruyn said: "Looking back at everything that I've achieved, it is time I say goodbye to international cricket and focus on the next chapter.

"I'm excited for what the future has to offer and looking forward to chasing more dreams and ambitions in life."

Reflecting on his international career, he continued: "I've been fortunate to represent my country at the highest level of cricket and that's been the proudest moment of my career.

"I've lived a childhood dream, shared dressing rooms with my heroes and played cricket at some of the world's most iconic venues; and I can't say thank you enough for the opportunities I've got through this game."

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