Graeme Smith senses South Africa discontent

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith feels there are still doubts over whether AB de Villiers will continue his Test career after the current series with England and suspects all is not well in the Proteas camp.

Wicketkeeeper-batsman De Villiers has rejected reports that he is set to call time on his outstanding career in the longest format of the game at the end of the ongoing four-match series.

De Villiers did state ahead of the third day of the first Test, which England dominated to take control of the match, that he will need to consider his workload going forward.

However, responding to the story, Smith said he did not feel one-day skipper De Villiers had removed the doubts over his Test future, and he hinted that in his view there could be issues behind the scenes in the South Africa set-up.

Speaking on Test Match Special, Smith said: "His [De Villiers'] interview this morning wasn't that convincing. It left a lot of doubt.

"If he is struggling with his workload, it just makes the decision to make him keep wicket in this Test even more ridiculous.

"My sense is that there's a few rumblings in the South African camp at the moment."

Dean Elgar carried his bat with an unbeaten 118 on day three at Kingsmead, but South Africa were bowled out for only 214.

Joe Root was 60 not out at stumps after being dropped by De Villiers when on six, as England closed on 172-3 to stretch their lead to 261 runs.