South Africa’s limited-overs skipper AB de Villiers has quashed the reports of his retirement from Test cricket saying that he has temporarily taken a break from the 5 day format so that he can spend more time with his family.
He clearly mentioned that his current priority is limited overs cricket and representing his nation in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
De Villiers injured his elbow in June 2016 and went on surgery. Since then, even after recovery from the injury Mr. 360 has missed three-test series. Now, there were news that he is unable to handle the pressure of all the three formats due to which he wants to be quiet from the longest format of the game.
But finally De Villiers himself has denied all these rumours during in a discussion with Sportzwiki and said he will make a comeback in Test cricket.
AB de Villiers was quoted as saying by Sportzwiki, “The decision not to play Test cricket this year is purely to spend a bit more time at home. I have played a lot of cricket over the past 12 years. Fully committed in all the formats. I have reached a point; actually in 2015 after the World Cup where I really felt flat and exhausted. I just to break away from one of the formats.”
He further added on this matter, “So, finally reached the decision of resting a little but in Test cricket. I initially wanted to retire out of the format. But decided to probably keep the option open as I might feel to contribute later.”
De Villiers also clarified his decision as he wants to be available for the long tours of India and Australia this year so he did not want to take a rash decision. He further added that his decision is purely based on family time as well he wants to move his focus toward World Cup 2019.
“In 2018, there are some big tours against India and Australia and the rest of the world. I felt it was important to keep opportunity available and not to make a rash decision. And, maybe I will make a comeback in Test cricket. But, the decision is purely based on family time. I am just tired and the focus has just moved toward the world cup. It is something I haven’t achieved in my career.” ABD concluded.
