Former Proteas skipper, Graeme Smith, believes AB de Villiers will call time on his Test career in the near future.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, Smith says De Villiers was ready to retire from Tests as early as last year but was persuaded by CSA not to call it quits just yet. Smith cited the toll that touring has on the body as a contributing factor to De Villiers’ decision

‘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,’ Smith remarked in a column for The Independent.

At 33-years-old, De Villiers is wary of over-exerting himself ahead of the 2019 World Cup, a tournament he hopes to be a part of.

‘AB has already made huge sacrifices for South African cricket, over such a long period of time, and with the next ICC World Cup just two years away, it’s likely that he is targeting that tournament as a swansong to his already illustrious career at the top level,’ Smith said.

De Villiers is awaiting the birth of his second child and Smith believes that continuing to play Test cricket would lead to further personal sacrifices for De Villiers.

‘What has AB de Villiers got to prove to anyone? He’s a star, and those players are often expected to be available all of the time no matter what the consequences might be personally,’ Smith added.

De Villiers is set to meet with CSA in August to make a final decision on his future in the longest format.

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