Proteas batsman Faf du Plessis retired from Test cricket with immediate effect on Wednesday, bringing an end to an illustrious eight-year career in the longer format of the game.
Du Plessis made his debut in Adelaide in 2012 and went on to play 69 Tests for his country.
In 2016 the 36-year-old succeeded former Proteas batsman AB de Villiers as captain and led the Test side in 39 matches - winning 18, losing 15 and drawing in three.
He resigned as captain across all formats last February with wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock appointed as Test skipper.
Du Plessis went on to score 4 163 runs in Test matches at an average of 40.02.
He achieved his highest score of 199 in last year's Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka at his home ground in Centurion.
Du Plessis will continue to be available for selection in both the limited-overs formats, and said that he is keen to be a part of the action at this year's T20 World Cup in India.
Here's how Twitter reacted to his retirement:
We've been through lots of battles together n its been a pleasure having u by my sideU believed in my ability n backed me long before many others did n I'll always be thankful 4 that ??Congrats on an amazing test career!See u on the T20 & Call Of Duty battlefield @faf1307 ?? pic.twitter.com/rOUxmnM26p
— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) February 17, 2021
Well done @faf1307 , you will be missed by those who played with and against you. ????????????
— Ashwin ???? (@ashwinravi99) February 17, 2021
Well done on an excellent career @faf1307, you can be seriously proud of your achievements.
— paul harris (@paulharris12) February 17, 2021
Well played @faf1307. Another top player says goodbye to the South African test team. Opens up an opportunity, yes, but will be difficult to fill.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 17, 2021
Sad day for SA cricket.. brilliant cricketer and leader! ???? @faf1307 https://t.co/Ln4hM5mtNd
— Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) February 17, 2021
I just saw the breaking news of @faf1307 retirement from test cricket.Such a pity as I feel he still could’ve contributed so much to the team and environment,but sometimes you know when it’s the right time to step away.Wishing Faf all the best in his next chapter #teamculture
— Vincent Barnes (@VincentBarnes60) February 17, 2021
Thank you for the memories, @faf1307 ??
— ICC (@ICC) February 17, 2021
Which is your favourite knock of his in Test cricket? pic.twitter.com/FeA4wsvUhk
From almost tripping over his shoelaces on debut in Adelaide, to Mintgate, to the Daddy Hundred just a few months ago against Sri Lanka. Above all, he was a leader and provided direction, maturity and calmness at times when the game was in turmoil. We'll miss him. #cricket
— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) February 17, 2021