Former BLACKCAPS wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk and latter-day icon of the Devon Hotel Central Stags has announced his retirement from all professional cricket today, with Will Young to step in as captain for round three of the Plunket Shield, brought to you by Budget Rental.
Van Wyk, who played nine Tests for the BLACKCAPS, will head back to his country of birth, South Africa, where he will take up a full-time role with TuksCricket Academy at the University of Pretoria.
Van Wyk led the Stags to victory in the Ford Trophy last summer
“While it always a tough decision, I feel the time is right to take on an opportunity outside of playing the game, working as Director of Cricket at Pretoria’s TuksCricket Academy," said van Wyk.
“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. My proudest moment was representing New Zealand at Test level, and I’m eternally grateful and indebted to New Zealand for the opportunity it has provided me and my family.”
Dean Brownlie, Trent Boult and Kane Williamson celeberate with van Wyk in a Test against the West Indies in Jamaica 2012
“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.”
“I would also like to thank all my teammates who have supported me throughout my career. To the CD team, all the best for the remainder of the season, and thank you for understanding my decision to leave the game to take up this next opportunity.”
Van Wyk started his professional cricketing career in South Africa before moving to New Zealand in 2006, where his career spanned 10 years (four years with Canterbury and six years with Central Districts).
A talented wicketkeeper, van Wyk finished with 671 career dismissals (616 catches and 55 stumpings) and holds the Central Districts’ record for most dismissals in a season (40 in 2014/15), most dismissals in a match (10 in 2014/15), and most catches in a match (10 in 2014/15).
Van Wyk was also an accomplished batsman, scoring 6734 first-class runs at an average 39.61, including seven centuries, with a highest score of 178 not out.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said van Wyk would be remembered as an accomplished Test wicketkeeper and lower-order batsman and, most importantly, an excellent team player.
“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.”
“He was respected for his fighting qualities wherever he went, and NZC would like to wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Van Wyk's final appearance for the Stags was in this season's Georgie Pie Super Smash
BLACKCAP Ross Taylor said of his teammate, “Kruger has been a great servant to cricket here in New Zealand and his hard-working and competitive character has had a great impact on those he played with.
"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 ended his career as captain of the Central Stags and last year led them to victory in the one-day Ford Trophy.
Central Districts Chief Executive Chris Lander said, “Kruger has made a significant contribution to Central Districts Cricket over the past five and a half seasons. He has played in 130 matches across all formats, been a member of three championship-winning teams and was successful in captaining the side last season.”
“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.”
