Veteran county player Johann Myburgh announces his retirement

Veteran Somerset batsman Johann Myburgh has decided to hang his boots and will retire at the end of the current season. The 37-year-old batsman with a handy bowling arm joined the club in 2014 for a one-year streak but was later retained. He even struck his maiden T20 ton (103 not out) last week for the side, against Essex, and he took just 42 balls to score it.

Myburgh has played in 108 first class and 118 ‘List A’ games since 1997-98 and made his T20 debut in 2005. He has scored over 11,000 runs across all the formats combined with the highest score of 203. He has also taken over 80 wickets with the best bowling figures of 4 for 56.

He made his departure memorable by penning an open letter to Somerset team and its supporters. He wrote, “What a special place this has been for me and I have felt so at home here in Taunton. My boy Joshua was born at Musgrove Park Hospital and I’m convinced that I now have Somerset blood pumping in my veins,” as per a report by ESPN Cricinfo.

“My team-mates have of course played a massive role in my enjoyable time here in the South West. I have made friendships that will last forever, seen young boys turn into men and enjoyed the inner child in the seasoned guys. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for the great times both on and off the field and more importantly, for accepting me into your changing room and making it ours.”

Myburgh’s career

Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Johann Myburgh started his cricket career as a schoolboy impressively; shattering legendary Graeme Pollock’s record to become the youngest double-centurion in South Africa’s first-class cricket in 1998. He even represented the South Africa U-19 team alongside former captain Graeme Smith and Jacques Rudolph.

Myburgh then moved to New Zealand where he tried to undergo a three-year qualification period to get eligible for playing for them but then opted for Kolpak agreement and joined Hampshire in 2010. Two years later, he had a T20 contract with Durham and after a year, joined Somerset.

Somerset’s cricket director Andy Hurry said on Myburgh’s retirement, “During his time with the county, Johann has been a key member of the Somerset family. Not only is he an outstanding cricketer and athlete, he is a gentleman, a leader and a friend to all associated with the Club.”

Johann’s brother Stephan, however, has played international cricket, representing the Netherlands in 13 ODIs and 28 T20Is.

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