South African allrounder Ryan McLaren announced, on Thursday (January 31), that he is quitting first-class cricket. McLaren revealed his decision via a Twitter post in which he also mentioned that he will continue to play limited-overs matches.
McLaren, who will turn 36 shortly, has played two Tests, 54 ODIs and 12 T20Is for South Africa with his last appearance for the national side coming in November 2014.
“I have learned from many to know when it’s the right time,” McLaren wrote on the post. “The time has come for me to retire from first-class cricket. I’m grateful to share a changeroom with some of the best our country has produced. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the support I have had from my wife, family, coaches and teammates both in SA and in county cricket. I have absolutely loved every part of what this game has taught me… time for some white ball fun now.”
The all-rounder has played 154 first-class matches averaging 33.86 scoring seven centuries and with the ball, he ended up picking 459 wickets at an average of 27.61. He has had stints in County Cricket as well having represented Kent, Hampshire and Lancashire. His final appearance in first-class cricket came for Knights in South Africa’s domestic four-day competition earlier this month against Cape Cobras.