SA-born NZ wicketkeeper coming home
Former Black Caps wicket-keeper Kruger van Wyk announced his retirement from professional cricket on Thursday.
According to the stuff.co.nz website Van Wyk, who played nine tests for New Zealand, will return to his country of birth, South Africa, where he will take up a fulltime role with TuksCricket Academy at the University of Pretoria.
"While it always a tough decision, I feel the time is right to take on an opportunity outside of playing the game," said van Wyk in a statement.
"I'm extremely privileged to have lived my dream as a professional cricketer for the past 17 years and I would like to thank my family and friends for all their love and support during this chapter."
The 35-year-old, who debuted against South Africa in 2012, and had a high score of 71, said his proudest moment was representing New Zealand at test level.
"I'm eternally grateful and indebted to New Zealand for the opportunity it has provided me and my family," he said.
"To the Titans, Canterbury and Central Districts, I sincerely thank you for the opportunities you have given me and I will take away many great memories."
Van Wyk started his professional cricketing career in South Africa and moved to New Zealand in 2006 , playing four years with Canterbury and six with Central Districts.
The talented wicketkeeper finished with 671 career dismissals and holds the Central Districts' record for most dismissals in a season (40 in 2014/2015), most dismissals in a match (10 in 2014/2015), and most catches in a match (10 in 2014/2015).
He was also an accomplished batsman, scoring 6734 first-class runs at an average of 39.61 including seven centuries. His highest score was 178 not out.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said van Wyk would be remembered as an accomplished wicket-keeper and lower-order batsman.
"Kruger was a skilled gloveman in the period between Reece Young and BJ Watling, and he was a batsman who consistently batted well with the tail, wringing as many runs out of the lower order as possible," said White.
Ross Taylor, van Wyk's CD team-mate, said he had been a great servant to cricket in New Zealand.
"His hard-working and competitive character has had a great impact on those he played with," said Taylor.
"I have always admired his determined attitude and his achievements in the game are a direct reflection of that. I thank Kruger for his contribution to the game and wish him and his family all the best in his next endeavours."
Van Wyk finished his career as captain of Central Districts and led them to victory in last year's domestic one-day competition.
Central Districts chief executive Chris Lander said van Wyk made a significant contribution to his province over the past five-and-a-half seasons.
"We are delighted for Kruger that he has been able to secure a role that keeps him involved in the game that he loves so much and wish him every success with his new role in Pretoria." - stuff.co.nz
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