South Africa's Rory Kleinveldt calls time on first-class career
The 35-year-old from Cape Town last played a Test in February 2013, but had been active in the domestic first-class circuit and the county scene in England
ESPNcricinfo staff
17-Jan-2019
Rory Kleinveldt was in the wickets for Northamptonshire • Getty Images
Rory Kleinveldt, the South Africa Test bowler, who also represented Cape Cobras, Hampshire and Northamptonshire, called time on his red-ball career on Thursday.
The 35-year-old from Cape Town last played a Test in February 2013, but had been active in the domestic first-class circuit and the county scene in England. His decision came a day after the Cobras' six-wicket loss against the Warriors in the 4-Day Franchise Series, at Newlands.
Kleinveldt announced the news of his retirement from the longest format on Twitter, where, in the wake of tributes from the likes of Dale Steyn, Herchelle Gibbs and Paul Harris, he clarified that it was only "red-ball cricket" that he was quitting.
Machine bud! 17 years and always made a impact! You can be very proud
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 17, 2019
Congrats bro
Sorry guys meant to #redball
— Rory Kleinveldt (@RoryK_9) January 17, 2019
Kleinveldt's maiden county stint came with Hampshire, in 2008. However, since his last appearance for South Africa, an ODI in July 2013, he plied his trade at Northamptonshire, and made an impact immediately. His 57-wicket season in 2015 in the County Championship, followed by astute bowling in the T20 tournament, led Northants to the T20 finals day that season. A few months later, Kleinveldt confirmed he had no interest in resuming his international career in a letter to Cricket South Africa.
In all, Kleinveldt finished with 10 wickets in Test cricket, while also collecting 454 first-class wickets at an average of 27.98.