Dolphins legend Sarel Erwee announces retirement from professional cricket

Sarel Erwee has officially announced his retirement from professional cricket, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 17-year career that has left an indelible mark on the sport, particularly within the Durban Hollywoodbets Dolphins franchise.

The club paid tribute to Mr Erwee for his vital contributions to trophy wins and for his role in nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent.

Beginning his journey with the Dolphins Academy in 2008, Mr Erwee culminated his career alongside his teammates in the championship-winning One Day Cup squad this past season.

His ties to cricket in KwaZulu-Natal run deep, echoing back to his years in Pietermaritzburg, where he grew up mesmerised by the Dolphins and the legends who once donned their colours.

“As a kid from Pietermaritzburg, I grew up watching the Dolphins. I was fortunate enough that my dad would drive me down to Kingsmead to watch the Dolphins, and when they came to Pietermaritzburg, I was always there,” he said, reflecting on the journey that fuelled his passion. “I fell in love with the Dolphins and the players; the likes of Lance Klusener, Jonty Rhodes, Shaun Pollock and Hashim Amla. I was in awe of these guys and how they played. I always wanted to play for the Dolphins.”

Throughout his career, Mr Erwee has participated in more than 300 professional matches, including ten test matches for South Africa.

His impressive average of just shy of 40 in first-class cricket, complemented by 13 centuries, underscores the significant impact he has made on the game. Mr Erwee's leadership was instrumental in guiding the Dolphins to two 4-Day Series titles within three seasons, an achievement he views as a highlight of his career.

“Having not won the 4-day competition for a number of years, to win it in the 2020/21 season was a highlight. Winning it again two seasons later was also a tremendous achievement. Personally, scoring a hundred in that final against the Titans at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead stands out for me as well. Looking back at my debuts was incredible.”

Mr Erwee's aspirations to represent South Africa materialised when he donned the national colours in 2022, making his debut against New Zealand in Christchurch. His sublime innings of 108 in his second test showcased his talent on a global stage.

“The pinnacle of my career was playing test cricket for South Africa. I wanted to play test cricket, it tests you for five days against the best bowlers,” he said.

As he transitions into a new phase of life, taking on a position with Fourways, a company specialising in air conditioners and heat pumps, he is keen to maintain his connection with cricket.