CRICKET-SA-TITANS: Rudolph calls time on career in South Africa
April 15, 20156:17 PM
ANA SPORT REPORTER
JOHANNESBURG, April 15 (ANA) – Former South African left-handed batsman and long-serving The Unlimited Titans player Jacques Rudolph has called time on his involvement in South African cricket following a productive local career that spanned 17 years.
Rudolph announced his retirement from participation in domestic cricket to his local franchise, The Unlimited Titans, on Tuesday.
“I have decided to conclude my career with Glamorgan on the English county-circuit following a 17-year period of dividing my time between the Titans, South Africa and the counties Yorkshire and Glamorgan.
“In the twilight of my career, I wish to commit myself more exclusively to the advancement of my batting career in England. I leave with remarkable memories of South African cricket,” said Rudolph.
The stalwart of The Unlimited Titans and South Africa was part of the all-conquering Titans team that lifted the Momentum One Day Cup by beating the Nashua Cobras in the final at Newlands on 13th February.
Rudolph scored 329 runs in the domestic limited-over campaign at an average of 47.
The left-handed stylist made in indelible mark on South African cricket by striking an unbeaten 222 in his maiden test match, against Bangladesh.
He produced several landmark performances for South Africa.
In 431 minutes of stonewalling in December 2005, Rudolph led South Africa’s defiance by scoring an unbeaten 102 in the face of Australian hostility.
The young top-order batsman faced 283 deliveries in leading the Proteas to safety at the WACA-ground in Perth.
Upon his return to the South African team, Rudolph scored 105 against New Zealand at the University Ground in Dune
din in 2012, blasting 15 fours and a six in the first test against the Black Caps.
He signed off his international career, having scored 2622 runs at an average of 35.43.
In 45 One Day Internationals, Rudolph compiled 1174 runs for the Proteas.
“One of the lasting impressions of my career was to be part of the South African team that managed to wrestle the number-1 position in the world from England in 2012, and to have served in a test team that featured at the global summit.
“I am indebted to my team-mates at South Africa and the Titans to have been part of several trophy-winning teams. I finished my domestic career on a high by being part of the Titans team that won so comprehensively at Newlands in February. “I am also indebted to all the sponsors who have invested in cricket and have enabled me to play the beloved game.
“I have taken this decision to focus on my career in English county cricket as part of the Glamorgan squad.
“My best wishes accompany South Africa on their international missions against Bangladesh, India and England in 2015 and 2016,” said Rudolph.
“Jacques was one of the longest-serving players for the Titans in an extended period spanning 17 years, and he formed an integral part of a team that won several trophies and set the trend in domestic cricket for more than five years,” commented Jacques Faul, chief executive of The Unlimited Titans.
“He was a prolific run-scorer for the Titans and his talent was spotted at a young age when he was selected for South Africa on the 2001/2002 tour of Australia.
“We thank him for his excellent services to franchise and country and wish him well with the completion of his stellar career in England,” added Faul.
Rudolph is on the brink of another milestone, having completed 49 first-class centuries at a superb average of 43.39 in a mammoth 252 games.
His List A career is also still blooming, as he averages an extraordinary 49.56 in 239 games.
ANA