Former South Africa captain AB De Villiers announces retirement from international cricket

One of the most thrilling batsmen of a generation is hanging up his boots

De Villiers has been one of the finest short-form batsmen in the world (Getty )

South Africa's AB De Villiers, one of the most explosive and thrilling batsmen of a generation, has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The 34-year-old former Proteas skipper has been a star of the team for over a decade since a Test debut against England in 2004 and will go down in history as one of their greatest and most watchable batters, most famous for brutal-yet-beautiful innings like his 44-ball 149 against West Indies (see video below).

De Villiers retires with a batting average north of 50 in Test, ODI and List A cricket, and announced his retirement in a video on Wednesday morning.

"Fourteen seasons ago, I arrived as a nervous youngster," De Villiers said in his statement.

"Today, I wanted you to know that I've retired from all international cricket with immediate effect. After 114 test matches, 228 one day internationals and 78 T20 internationals, it is time for others to take over. I've had my turn and to be honest, I'm tired.

"This is a tough decision, I've thought long and hard about it and I'd like to retire whilst still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic test runs against India and Australia, now feels the right time to step aside. It would not be right to pick and choose where and when and what format I play for the Proteas.

"For me, in green and gold, it must be everything or nothing. I've always been grateful for my teammates, coaches and staff at cricket South Africa for their support these years. It's not about earning more somewhere else, it's about running out of gas. It's time to move on, everything comes to an end.

"To cricket fans in South Africa and everywhere else in the world, thank you for your kindness, your generosity and your understanding. i have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket and I will remain the biggest supporter of the Proteas."