Johannesburg, December 11: South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs is reportedly planning to quit international cricket although, the opener will continue to play for Hyderababd Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 35-year-old Gibbs was ommitted from the South African ODI squad for the series against England after also being axed from the Test team almost two years ago.
However, a source close to Gibbs claims that his omission from the national team has nothing to do with the decision which he may soon announce.
”It has nothing to do with the fact that he has been omitted for the umpteenth time,” the source said.
”While there are still a few options to consider, he feels that he has had enough after such a long career,” he added. Gibbs played the last of his 90 Tests in January last year, but still represented the Proteas in the Champions Trophy tournament as recently as September.
Apparently, Gibbs considered quitting last year, but ultimately decided to continue fighting for his spot in the national side. ”The reality is that he should already have retired last year as he wanted to finish his career on a high in order to safeguard his legacy,” the source was quoted as saying by ‘Sports24′.
But he is still likely to be available to play in the Indian Premier League and for the Cape Cobras. Gibbs has been one of the most prolific batsmen for South Africa and his innings of 175 in the so-called 438 games against Australia, four years ago, is still considered the best in the history of the ODIs.
But Gibbs’ batting prowess have been overshadowed by a number of controversies off the field, which were brought to a head when he was axed last year because of alcohol abuse and ordered into a rehabilitation programme.
–Agencies