South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has admitted that the fourth Test match with England at the Wanderers could be his last on home soil.

The Proteas succumbed to an innings defeat in Port Elizabeth on Monday, as England took a 2-1 series lead with a game to play. Du Plessis scored 44 runs in the match, continuing his recent struggles with the bat: his last six Tests have resulted in 255 runs at an average of 21.25. 

Speaking at the post-match presentation, du Plessis was questioned on his international future and stated that he was focused on playing through to the T20 World Cup, which begins in October. 

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“I’ve hear the rumours of possible retirement but I’ve been pretty clear and consistent with the message that the T20 World Cup is the timeframe I’m looking for,” Du Plessis said. “There’s not a lot of Test cricket for the rest of the year. There’s obviously one big Test match we still need to focus on. For me it’s important as the captain of the team that we keep driving forward and are applying ourselves to win a Test match.

“After that it’s two Tests in West Indies and that’s it for Test cricket. Nothing has changed when it comes to that.”

Du Plessis then offered further clarity when speaking to reporters, indicating that his Test career will “most probably” come to an end soon after the T20 World Cup. 

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“I have said before, there is an opportunity to release some of the captaincy,” Du Plessis said. “Two Test matches in the West Indies [in July], and the rest of the year is white-ball stuff. Most probably after that, Test cricket will be something that won’t see me.

“That’s a decision I will make then. For me now it’s to be as strong as possible.”