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South Africa's Theunis de Bruyn retires from international cricket

Theunis de Bruyn en route to his maiden Test century AFP

South Africa batter Theunis de Bruyn has announced his retirement from international cricket, saying it is time to focus on 'the next chapter'. The 30-year old, who made his South Africa debut in a T20I against Sri Lanka in January 2017, represented the country in 13 Tests and two T20Is.

"I've been fortunate to represent my country at the highest level of cricket and that's been the proudest moment of my career," de Bruyn wrote in a statement released by his domestic team the Titans. "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.

"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."

De Bruyn scored one Test century in 25 innings -- against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2018.

His last appearance for South Africa came in the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG last year, when he had scores of 12 and 28 as they suffered an innings defeat. He then flew home ahead of the third Test of the series for the birth of his first child.

De Bruyn was a part of the Pretoria Capitals team that reached the final of the inaugural SA20 competition. With 238 runs, he finished as the team's joint-second highest run-scorer in the tournament, behind Will Jacks and level with Phil Salt.