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Cape Town - Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson wants AB de Villiers to continue playing Test cricket for South Africa.
De Villiers, who has recovered from an elbow injury, ruled himself out of the New Zealand (February), England (July-August) and Bangladesh (September-October) Test series.
The 32-year-old has not played red ball cricket for South Africa since last January’s home series against England.
Watson says that he is disappointed that the Proteas star batsman has decided to take a break from Test cricket.
"(De Villiers) has played over 100 Test matches, he's done incredibly well for South Africa," Watson told The Unplayable Podcast.
"I'm not exactly sure what he's going to do but it would be disappointing not to see him play Test cricket.
"(De Villiers) and Virat Kohli especially are the ones I love seeing, how they adapt to all different conditions and have done it for a long period of time," said Watson.
"But AB, gosh, he's played over 100 Tests now and just dominated in all formats. He's a genius in all formats."
Watson, who captains the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, said he would be thrilled to have the phenomenal talent of De Villiers in his side.
"He's such a very kind, genuine person off the field and on the field he provides so much with his incredible skills. He'll be fine whatever happens.
"There's plenty of Twenty20 leagues and the Sydney Thunder are very keen to be get him involved if there's an opportunity there.
"Anyone would be falling over themselves to get AB de Villiers in their squad.
"He is just absolutely phenomenal to be able to watch."
With West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell banned from all cricket for a year over a doping code violation, there is a spot open in the Thunder line-up.
