South Africa Coach Ottis Gibson said his team has enough time to recover ahead of the 2019 World Cup following AB de Villiers‘ sudden retirement from international cricket.

De Villiers announced his international retirement last Wednesday, saying he was “tired” after a 14-year career.

The 49-year-old Gibson said that since the World Cup in England and Wales is a year away, there is enough time to alter plans.

“We’ll have to alter our plans obviously but it gives us enough time to do that,” Gibson was quoted as saying by AFP.

Gibson said he had spoken to De Villiers the day before the star batsman made his announcement last week but was unable to change his mind.
“We had a conversation. He called me the morning before he made the announcement,” said Gibson.

“We had a long conversation around whether he was making the right decision. He reckons he is. He has spoken to the people in his close circle.”

Gibson said De Villiers’ decision shocked him.

“He is one of the best players in the world. He could have made a huge difference in the World Cup and he knows that… he’s chosen to walk away from the game at this time and it is what it is.”