Cricket Namibia would like to announce the retirement of two of our most prominent cricketers, our Captain Sarel Burger and our Vice-Captain Craig Williams. Both Sarel and Craig have decided that the 3 Day and ODI matches against Free State at the Wanderers stadium from 22 to 25 February 2018 will be their final representational matches for Namibia.
On behalf of the Cricket Namibia, the Board and the whole cricketing community I would like to express my appreciation and respect to Sarel and Craig who have contributed so much and for so long to our national cricket side as well as to cricket overall in Namibia. Their contributions have been immense and both will be hugely missed.
Sarel is an exceptional all-rounder. He made his debut for Namibia in 2003 and in the 274 ODIs, List A, First Class and T20 representational matches since then he has amassed a total of 6 553 runs and with batting a highest score of 135 and taken 339 wickets. During these matches he has either faced as a batsman or himself bowled 29 945 deliveries.
Craig’s career has been similarly expressive of his exceptional skills as an all-rounder. Craig made his debut for Namibia in 2007. During his career in 301 List A, First Class and T20 representational matches he has scored 12 144 runs with a highest knock of 184 and taken 228 wickets. During these matches he has faced or bowled 24 934 deliveries.
In addition to these extraordinary statistics both players have been mainstays of the leadership of the team, Sarel as the Captain and Craig as the Vice-Captain and beyond this have played a vital role in the mentorship and growth of other players in the team. The longevity of their careers speaks volumes for the physical fitness, dedication and total commitment. They have both been model professionals and examples to all of our cricketers of whatever age in terms of class and character.
Namibian Cricket owes a huge debt of gratitude to both players and we wish them the best with their future endeavours. Both will be sorely missed.