Is AB making a stand?

http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-sri-lanka-2016-17/content/story/1077588.html

He gave up the captaincy amid suggestions he was safeguarding his best friend Faf's position in the team, though the latter appears to be a better captain.

Now he may forgo test cricket, with the belief that Bavuma is safe, and the question about whose place he would take. It would have to be that of a white player.

big deal.

Red wrote:http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-sri-lanka-2016-17/content/story/1077588.html

He gave up the captaincy amid suggestions he was safeguarding his best friend Faf's position in the team, though the latter appears to be a better captain.

Now he may forgo test cricket, with the belief that Bavuma is safe, and the question about whose place he would take. It would have to be that of a white player.

Alternatively, he is contemplating turning himself into a f/t white-ball merchant to make himself a small fortune.

Which no-one could blame him for doing, given the rubbish going on in CSA.

He has just made a major announcement on the local radio station I listen to.



















His wife is pregnant.

AB not retiring but out of Sheep Tests

"AB de Villiers has made himself unavailable for selection for the upcoming Test series in New Zealand in March though he has recovered from his elbow injury, but said that he was not retiring from Test cricket.

However, while squashing recent speculation that he was going to give up the longest format, AB de Villiers indicated that his priority was going to be limited-overs cricket in order to play the 2019 World Cup.

"That's a good question. Not yet. I'm not there yet," de Villiers said in Johannesburg on Tuesday, when asked when he would return to the Test side. "The reason being that I just need to settle things in my head. Over the last few years something has come to mind, which is the fact that we haven't won a World Cup yet. And for me to make it to the 2019 World Cup, I can't really be serious in every format.

"So I've made myself unavailable for the New Zealand Test series. I will be there for the ODIs, and I'm definitely not retiring from Test cricket because I have plans to come back at some stage. For me, for now the most important thing is the 2019 World Cup. I want to make sure we get there. I want to make sure we lift that trophy. Obviously there are other factors that play a role like family and time away from home, but the main reason for me is that World Cup and I feel that if I play all formats all the time, then mentally and physically I won't be at my best." "

---------------------------------------

Some good news for SAffie fans.

Also out of the England and Bangladesh tours.

Noticed that AB has made a ton in his comeback match.

So if he's not making himself available for any test cricket this year, why isn't he retiring from tests? I think the test side and Faf deserves to have some clarity surrounding his position.

You're a long time retired as the saying goes. Perhaps he wants to see how he feels about not playing tests before making a permanent decision. I can't see it hurting SA either way to be honest as they appear to be managing quite well without him.

Basil wrote:You're a long time retired as the saying goes. Perhaps he wants to see how he feels about not playing tests before making a permanent decision. I can't see it hurting SA either way to be honest as they appear to be managing quite well without him.

Or maybe he just wants to see how the quotas pan out.

He wants to prolong his career in the hope of lifting the WC, but ironically some of the sports scientists are adamant that the shorter forms place greater stress on the body. No surprises that his elbow flared up after some T20 carnivals.

Looks like Temba's place is safe now though.