David Terbrugge retires from cricket

David Terbrugge, the former South Africa and Highveld Lions seamer, has announced his retirement from all professional cricket at the age of 29.

Known for his nagging accuracy and consistent bowling performances, Terbrugge was unfortunately hampered by injuries at inopportune moments in his career which blunted his ambitions of playing at the highest level on a more consistent basis. Last season he picked up a back injury, and has since immersed himself in his off-field work commitments.

Terbrugge was only 20 when he made his first-class debut for the then-Transvaal against Western Province in 1997-98, and was catapulted into the Test team the following season for four matches against the touring West Indians. He took nine wickets at 28.11 to help South Africa to a thumping 5-0 whitewash.

But opportunities were few and far between thereafter, as a combination of injuries and selectoral decisions hampered his progress. He performed admirably in his one Test against Australia at Durban in March 2002, taking four wickets in a consolation victory, and the following season he took 5 for 46 to rout Bangladesh at East London.

Alan Kourie, the CEO of Gauteng Strikers, said that Terbrugge was a fine ambassador for the game and that his experience and knowledge will be sorely missed in the team. Kourie also stated that Gauteng would investigate ways of keeping him involved in the current Gauteng set-up.