Share

Gibbs to call it quits?

Eduan Roos

Johannesburg – South Africa may soon be without their 438 batting hero. Sport24 has heard from reliable sources that Herschelle Gibbs is planning to end a Proteas career that has spanned 13 years.

The 35-year-old Capetonian was recently omitted from South Africa’s one-day side after also being axed from the Test team nearly two years ago.

Gibbs played the last of his 90 Tests in January last year, but represented the Proteas in the Champions Trophy tournament as recently as September.

He was axed from the one-day side in October and his replacement, Alviro Petersen, has scored plenty of runs in the series against England.

“It has nothing to do with the fact that he has been omitted for the umpteenth time,” someone close to Gibbs told Sport24.

“While there are still a few options to consider, he feels that he has had enough after such a long career.”

Gibbs apparently already considered quitting last year, but ultimately decided to continue fighting for his Proteas spot.

“The reality is that he should already have retired last year as he wanted to finish his career on a high in order to safeguard his legacy.”

Gibbs is still likely to be available to play in the Indian Premier League and for the Cape Cobras.

He was one of the world’s most lethal opening batsmen for a long period and probably the most gifted stroke-player in the country.

His innings of 175 in the so-called 438 game against Australia four years ago is still considered the best in the history of the one-day game.

However, his batting heroics have been overshadowed by a number of scandals off the field, which were brought to a head when he was axed last year because of alcohol abuse and ordered into a rehabilitation programme.

Gibbs kept struggling for form and he scored the last of his one-day centuries in April against Australia in Port Elizabeth.

Proteas coach Mickey Arthur maintains that Gibbs is in his plans for the 2011 World Cup in India and is not aware of the player’s intentions.

Neither Gibbs nor his agent, Donné Commins, wanted to comment.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE