De Villiers squashes retirement rumours

Former South African Test captain AB de Villiers has revealed that he has no intentions of retiring from Test cricket, or any other format for that matter.
The batsman was forced to relinquish his captaincy to his childhood friend Faf du Plessis after he had to undergo surgery for a persistent elbow injury, ruling him out of series’ against Australia and Sri Lanka, which the Proteas dominated.
“I’m not retiring out of Test cricket, I’m not retiring out of any format, that’s for sure. I am not prepared to do that,” he told South African radio station 702.
The 32-year-old, though, understands that he will have to manage his workload as he aims to make it to the 2019 Cricket World Cup, and hopefully lift the trophy.
“My main aim is to get to that 2019 World Cup and I am going to do everything possible to get there,” he explained.
“It’s important to play the other formats but mentally and physically I need to be in a good space come the 2019 World Cup and that’s what I am aiming for.
“I know its still a long way away and it’s all about managing that really well in order for me to get there.
“I am going to have to make certain choices. It’s not easy for me. I have always been the go-ahead guy, the team man, never want to miss a game for South Africa and I still do, but the schedules these days, it’s really tough to play all formats, especially at the age of 32, when most cricketers don’t go past the age of 35.
“If you do the math, it takes to me to 2019, 2020 at the most. Hopefully by then I will still be fit and be there to lift the trophy with the boys.”
Latest
-
News
Tributes pour in for former umpire Rudi Koertzen following death aged 73
The MCC said it was “saddened” to learn of Koertzen’s death.
-
News
Lisa Keightley to step down as England head coach at the end of the summer
The Australian took over in January 2020 and led England to the final of this year’s World Cup.
-
News
Chance to Shine graduates Lauren Bell and Issy Wong excited to keep on inspiring
The pair have enjoyed a memorable year so far with international debuts in multiple formats.
-
News
Jordan Thompson stars with the ball as London Spirit hammer Manchester Originals
Seamer Thompson, who took two wickets on his tournament debut at the Oval last week, followed that up with a remarkable four for 21 from 20 balls.
-
News
Sam Billings aiming to use England Lions game to push for Test recall
The wicketkeeper will captain the side for the tour match against South Africa.
-
News
Moeen Ali fears 50-over cricket could be lost due to ‘unsustainable’ schedule
The World Cup winner is worried people are starting to view the 50-over format as ‘the long, boring one’.
-
The Hundred
Alex Hales leads Trent Rockets to opening Hundred win
The former England opener hit 58 off 41 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.
-
News
Richard Thompson named as new ECB chair and pledges to restore trust in cricket
The 55-year-old will leave is role at Surrey.
-
England
Jos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.