Struggling AB de Villiers may quit Test cricket in August: Reports

AB de Villiers, who is expected to make a decision on his playing future in August, is expected to retire from Test cricket when he meets Cricket South Africa (CSA) officials, unless the cricket board can convince him to stay on again.

Following their Twenty20 series loss to England, de Villiers returned home and is considering his options as he looks to lead South Africa to glory in the 2019 World Cup, which will also be held in England.

According to some reports, de Villiers had informed CSA about his decision of quitting the longest format last year, but was given time out of Tests in a bid to get him to reconsider. However, according to ESPNcricinfo, de Villiers is understood to contemplating Test retirement when he meets CSA officials following the appointment of a new coach in August.

Before leaving the United Kingdom, the right-hander said he and the CSA would “make a final decision about what happens for the next few years” when they meet in a few weeks’ time. He also indicated that the appointment of the new coach would be key to his future.

In a column for The Independent, former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith confirmed this information when he wrote: “It’s my belief that AB was looking to walk away from the Test game last year at some point, but has been encouraged to carry on by CSA. His personal prerogative is ensuring he does all he can to add as much longevity to his international career as possible, as well as taking in to account the harsh realities of touring such as the amount of travel involved, and the toll that takes on your body,” he added.

Smith reckoned that de Villiers was targeting the 2019 World Cup as a swansong to his already illustrious career at the top level.