AB de Villiers expected to retire from tests

[OverratedSanity]

This is hardly a huge surprise, but thought it deserved a thread anyway. Should get the announcement over with and focus on the World Cup because I don't think delaying this further is helping anyone.

AB de Villiers expected to retire from Test cricket | Cricket | ESPN Cricinfo

 

[SeamUp]

Disappointing he isn't getting a swansong series. But we needed this sorting.

But two test series wins in Australia and England each. Wins in Pakistan & Sri Lanka. Draws in UAE and India with big double hundreds where most other teams have failed badly. Often remember him scoring hundreds on a spicy Wanderers when others were struggling. Been a really good test career.

Played a 100 tests straight from debut. Opened initially because as a teenager it was his only way into a good Titans side with a middle order of Daryll Cullinan, Zander de Bruyn, Gerald Dros & Justin Kemp. Before he knew it he was debuting v England & coming into a team which was lacking direction for the first time since re-admission & scoring a 50 on debut and a 100 in debut series which was all class. Soo he would be facing challenges of McGrath and Warne as a 21 year-old that certainly tested him where he got many good starts in that series.

Some of the catches over the years have been a right joke. Can think of a few in the first series win in Australia in the slip cordon.

The biggest disappointment for me was over-using him as a keeper in a time when he was clearly struggling with his back. In recent years he seems to be in pain often on the field.

Enjoyed your test career Abraham Benjamin de Villiers. Thanks.

 

[fredfertang]

He's only 33 ffs - great shame for everyone and not just SA if this happens - can't they just let him pick and choose which series he plays in?

 

[harsh.ag]

I don't even know what to say.

What the **** happened?? Such a mess.

 

[Pratters]

I guess you can still watch him in IPL for a long while Martin.

 

[stephen]

He's South Africa's Michael Clarke. Absolute guns at the peaks of their respective abilities but back troubles have ended their careers too early.

I'd be surprised if he had much impact in any form if the game going forward to be honest. Back injuries have a nasty habit of permanently removing form from players.

 

[fredfertang]

I guess you can still watch him in IPL for a long while Martin.

Something else to blame BCCI for

 

[vic_orthdox]

A super career. Think he'll be around for a bit in the short forms taking the mickey still.

 

[Burgey]

Terrific player. Power, innovation and so much time. Sad to see him retire from the highest level if it comes to pass.

 

[OverratedSanity]

He still hasn't officially retired so it would be funny if he came back and tore it up in tests after this thread with everyone posting tributes.

 

[StephenZA]

He still hasn't officially retired so it would be funny if he came back and tore it up in tests after this thread with everyone posting tributes.

Well it is a Moonda article so that is very possible... we can all hop and wish. (But sadly I don't think so)

 

[DriveClub]

Does this have anything to do with the quotas?

 

[StephenZA]

Does this have anything to do with the quotas?

Not for him personally.... but he may have feelings on the situation if he feels like other players are missing out because of the quotas, and he is not sure about playing. So it may be a factor, but he has for awhile been concerned with his injury and his family life is obviously very important to him. It is probably not one but many factors.

 

[91Jmay]

He's only 33 ffs - great shame for everyone and not just SA if this happens - can't they just let him pick and choose which series he plays in?

No, he should not get to pick and choose. Play test matches when you are fit, not when you can be arsed/there isn't T20 money to chase.

Has been a very good player, some memorable performances with his ability to change gears as required extremely impressive.

 

[Bahseph]

I think it's coming. And possibly stepping down from the ODI captaincy as well. Which could benefit him and the team in the long run. All this talk about his future and people doubting his commitment could all be put aside if he is up front about his Test future. I don't think he has bad intentions, and while I'd love to see him in Tests again, the career span of a sportsman is short so maybe he needs to play in a few T20 leagues before his back really gives up. Faf has already proven to be a better captain in a shorter period of time, and the Test team has won four series in a row without him.

An absolute beast of a batsman though
Probably didn't score as many hundreds as he could have but I don't think I've ever seen anyone look as comfortable at the crease as he does throughout an innings. All class.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

The risk of injuring his self by trying to be a 360-degree player.

 

[honestbharani]

The Marat SAfin of cricket. Actualy not quite true, but maybe Djokovic? The man is just the most amazing batsman to watch, and has a record that can compare to some of the very very best to have played this game. An absolute privilege to have been able to watch him throughout his career and hope he gives himself 1 more year of test cricket and goes out on a high.

 

[ankitj]

Screw IPL is all I can say.

 

[Bijed]

Real shame that it's (probably) ending like this. I can only echo others' sentiments that's he's been brilliant and I'll miss him

 

[burr]

He's never going to achieve his dream poor man.