South Africa's Warner Retires In Pain After Scoring 200 In 100th Test

South Africa's greatest batsman, AB de Villiers, has retired from Test cricket after scoring his 200th century in his 100th test match. It was a bittersweet moment for the 34-year-old Proteas captain who had been struggling with an injury for months and who could no longer push himself to play through the pain. 

De Villiers will go down in history as one of South Africa’s greatest sporting heroes, having scored two centuries against Australia and three consecutive double centuries against India in 2016-17. 

But, though his retirement marks the end of an era, it may also spark conversations about athlete safety and the importance of rest. In this article, we'll look at De Villiers' legendary career and explore the implications of his retirement on elite athletes around the world.

De Villiers started his career in 2004 and retired with an impressive record of 8,765 runs in 114 Test matches. He scored 22 centuries and 61 half-centuries during his tenure, including a number of remarkable performances against some of the world's best teams. 

He holds the record for most Test runs scored by a South African batsman, as well as the highest average among all South African players. His phenomenal batting average of 50.66 is also the fourth-highest in all time. 

In addition to his feats on the field, De Villiers was also known for his great sportsmanship both on and off the field. He was beloved by cricket fans around the world, who praised him for always playing with passion and enthusiasm regardless of the situation.

South Africa's Warner retires in pain after scoring 200 in 100th test

South Africa's Warner retires in pain after scoring 200 in 100th test.

It was a gutsy effort from the 35-year-old, who had to retire hurt on 97 not out in the first innings after being hit by a Jasprit Bumrah bouncer.

Despite the injury, Warner was able to come back and bat in the second innings, and reached a historic 200 off just 219 balls.

However, he was forced to retire in pain again when he was on 204, after being struck by a vicious short ball from Neil Wagner.

The South African batting great has now retired from international cricket with 11,579 test runs at an average of 49.44, including 33 centuries and 46 half-centuries.

His performance in his 100th test match will be remembered for years to come as one of the greatest individual batting displays by any player in history.

He came back out to bat in the second innings and reached his 200 with a six off Ravindra Jadeja, but was clearly in pain and decided to retire soon after.

It was a sad ending to Warner's 100th Test, but he will take solace in the knowledge that he achieved what few players before him have done - score 200 runs in a Test match.

The South African cricketing great will be remembered for his resilience and determination, as well as the brilliance of his batting.

This is a huge blow for South Africa, who are already without their captain Faf du Plessis due to injury. Warner's retirement means they are now two men down in this Test match.

Warner had been in phenomenal form during this series, scoring two centuries and two half-centuries in the first four tests. He also became the first South African batsman to score a double century in his 100th Test match.

The Proteas will now have to dig deep and find a way to fight their way back into this game without Warner, who was undoubtedly one of their star players throughout this series.

What caused Warner's retirement?

In September 2017, Warner suffered a serious neck injury that required surgery and forced him to miss the remainder of the Test series against Bangladesh. The injury flared up again during the 2018 IPL season, causing him considerable pain. As a result, Warner was forced to retire from cricket in May 2018.

How did South Africa fare in the Test?

South Africa's Warner Retires In Pain After Scoring In th Test

1. How did South Africa fare in the Test?

The Proteas had a tough time in the field, with injuries to key players hampering their progress. However, they showed great resilience to come back from a difficult start and take control of the match. 

The bowling attack was phenomenal, led by Kagiso Rabada who took five wickets in the match. The batting was also strong, with centuries from Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis. Ultimately, South Africa were victorious by 340 runs.

2. What was the score at the end of the Test?

South Africa declared their second innings on 431/7, setting a target of 621 runs for Australia. Australia were eventually bowled out for 280 runs in their second innings, giving South Africa a victory by 340 runs.