“I’m not sure how AB will feel in terms of Test cricket so we will have to see”

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Speculation about AB de Villiers’ Test future has began to mount after it was announced that he would meet with South Africa’s team management to discuss his role with the national team when he returns from injury.

De Villiers has been out of action since June last year after sustaining an elbow injury, which he later underwent surgery for.

He was expected to return to the Test side when he made a full recovery, but it is understood that he is now unsure as to whether he wants to continue featuring in the longest format.

“We need to sit down with him and plan his future,” South Africa head coach Russell Domingo said. “AB has got to make that decision, I can’t decide on whether he plays or not.

“When I say that, I mean AB has got to make the decision about whether he is available and the selectors have got to make the decision whether he plays. He has obviously got to make some decision about his future in cricket.”

In December, De Villiers relinquished the Test captaincy and Faf du Plessis took over on a permanent basis.

While it is unclear whether that was a sign De Villiers was leaning towards only playing limited overs cricket when he made his comeback, Du Plessis made it clear that he would love to have his long-time team-mate and friend back in the Test squad.

“I’m not sure how AB will feel in terms of Test cricket so we will have to see,” Du Plessis said. “We are excited to have him back in the one-day team. I am hoping he decides to play [Tests] for us. He is obviously a world-class batter and I, as a captain, would love to have him as a leader in our team, and obviously as a batter. He is a fantastic player.”

When asked if he believes De Villiers will continue playing Test cricket, Du Plessis said: “He hasn’t played for a while. The plan was for him to play in this series and then the one-dayers start, but now we will see what AB’s plans are – whether he wants to play.”