David Miller bids adieu to first-class cricket

South African batsman David Miller has announced his retirement from first-class cricket.

The 29-year-old, who has never played any international Test match for South Africa, said that he always loved playing first-class cricket, but now he would like to focus more on white-ball cricket.

"It was a tough decision to make. I have always loved playing red ball cricket but I have decided that I would, in future, like to concentrate on white ball cricket to make sure that I am in a position to give myself the best opportunity to play for the Proteas in the format that I love," Sport24 quoted Miller, as saying.

"This is an important decision for me, especially with the World Cup looming next year. I will also be available to play for the Dolphins in all limited-over competitions and will give it my all to help them win trophies this season," he added.

Cricket South Africa CEO Thabang Moroe expressed disappointment over the decision, saying that Miller is capable of contributing more in all formats of the game.

"It is disappointing to lose David from our pool of potential Test players. At the age of 29 he still has many years of good cricket left in him in all formats but at the same time we have to understand that he wants to throw his full weight into helping the Proteas to win the ICC World Cup," Moroe said.

Miller has played a total of 63 first-class matches, scoring 3342 runs with an average of 36.32.