Mike Hussey believes that AB de Villiers’ days in whites are numbered and he’d be surprised if he continues to play tests for the Proteas. 

In an interview with Radio 702 in January, De Villiers announced that he would not retire from tests, despite suffering from an elbow injury that kept him out of cricket since August last year.

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Hussey remains uncertain, however, that the Proteas star batsman will physically be able to continue at the same level as he did before.

‘If I’m being honest, I’d be surprised if he keeps playing tests) due to the toll test cricket takes on your body,’ Hussey told cricket.com.au.

‘Bodywise he has back problems, plus he’s had this elbow injury that kept him out for a long time

‘I think he’ll really try and focus on the shorter formats of the game.’

De Villiers made his comeback from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and led the Proteas to a 3-2 ODI series victory against New Zealand, and despite a disappointing stint in the 10th edition of the IPL, De Villiers will turn to the Champions Trophy in England to try and shake South Africa’s ‘choker’ status by leading his side over the line.

Hussey revealed that he caught up with De Villiers, and there was an evident hunger and desire from the Proteas ODI captain which could prove dangerous for SA’s rivals in the Champions Trophy.

‘I caught up with him while I was in India (commentating the IPL), and he’s desperate to win a tournament with South Africa in one-day cricket,’ said Hussey.

‘He thinks they can win a World Cup, so this is like a mini-World Cup, and it’s what’s driving him in his cricket career at the moment.

‘When you’ve got such a quality player that’s highly motivated, personally and for the team, then that’s a pretty dangerous combination for the opposition.’

The No 1 ODI batsman will be key to the Proteas’ Champions Trophy campaign, which kicks off on 3 June against Sri Lanka at The Oval.