South Africa batsman Gary Kirsten has shelved plans to retire from Test cricket after being urged by teammates to reconsider his decision.

Kirsten, man-of-the-match in the 191-run fourth Test win against England at Headingley, had hinted he would end his international career after the fifth and final Test against England, starting at The Oval on Thursday.

"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," said Kirsten, after team practice at The Oval on Tuesday.

"Another famous milestone is 20 hundreds, but those targets are not the only reason I'm carrying on."

The 35-year-old left-hander from Western Province has scored 18 centuries in 92 Tests but has already quit one-day internationals.

He averages over 40, the standard for world-class players, in both forms of the game.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed this tour," Kirsten said. "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.

"We've had some rough times in South African cricket and I've been around a long time. Now that we're on an up, I'd be mad not to enjoy a few more minutes of it.

"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," Kirsten added.

In the series against England he is averaging 68.60, missing the Trent Bridge Test with an elbow problem.