Proteas women's stalwart Du Preez retires from all forms of international cricket

Proteas women's batter Mignon du Preez on Friday announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket.

Earlier this year, Du Preez had announced her retirement from Test and One-Day Internationals (ODI) after taking part in the Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.  

But the 33-year-old has now also called it a day in T20 internationals after a distinguished career.

"It's never an easy decision to step away from something you love as much as I love cricket, but I know in my heart that the time is right for me to announce my retirement from all forms of international cricket," Du Preez said in a statement.

Du Preez noted though that she would still continue to play the shorter format of the game in the global T20 leagues.

Cricket South Africa's director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, said this was "a bittersweet moment for South African cricket and the world at large".

"We bid farewell to one of the game’s favourite characters on the international stage. Over the last 16 years, Du Preez's professionalism and commitment shown towards her country has been exemplary, not only to those who follow in her footsteps but also to her teammates and peers in the game.  

"A career entailing a total of 268 international matches, 5 565 runs including 25 fifties and three hundreds across Test, ODI and T20 cricket as well as 96 matches as captain, is one to be extremely proud of and has solidified her place as one of the country's cricketing greats.  

"On behalf of CSA and the wider cricketing fraternity, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mignon for her nearly two decades of service for her country and the game of international cricket. 

"Her devoted, passionate team-first personality will be sorely missed, and I wish