London, Sept 03: South Africa batsman Gary Kirsten has shelved talk of international retirement and insisted that Thursday's series climax against England here at the Oval would not be his last Test. Before the series began the 35-year-old Kirsten did say this would be his last international campaign.
But, with the twin targets of 20 Test hundreds and becoming the first South African to play 100 Tests in his sights, the gritty left-hander has decided to carry on although he insisted his motivation for continuing was not purely statistical.
"I didn't want to leave with the possibility of any regrets, the thought that maybe I could have played for another four or five months and reached 100 tests," Kirsten told the BBC yesterday. "I've thoroughly enjoyed this tour," Kirsten added. "Being in good form helps, but the set-up is tremendous and the guys have worked superbly together. I just couldn't help thinking how nice it would be to be a part of it all for a bit longer."
"I still feel physically good, although I know I'm pushing time. But as long as I'm worth my place and the guys still want me, I'll be here for a couple more matches," he said.
Kirsten's painstaking innings of 130 and 60 set up South Africa's 191-run, fourth Test win against England at Headingley last month.
That left South Africa an unbeatable 2-1 up in the five-match contest and on the verge of a first series win in England since 1965. Afterwards, Western Province run machine Kirsten, who is already South Africa's most-capped player having appeared in 92 Tests, told reporters, "I did say this would be my last summer of international cricket.
"But the guys have put some heat on me," added Kirsten, who retired from one-day internationals following hosts South Africa first round world cup exit earlier this year. Bureau Report