AB De Villiers has confirmed that he will deputise behind the stumps in the absence of Mark Boucher.

Boucher was forced to retire after sustaining a serious eye injury, which required exploratory surgery, during a tour match against Somerset in Taunton.

De Villiers, who has worn the gloves for South Africa in the past, said that he is looking forward to the challenge and feels that it gives coach Gary Kirsten an opportunity to tinker with the team's balance.

"I'm going to take the gloves for the three-day game against Kent and we'll see where we go from there," De Villiers told Sky Sports News. "We are still deciding on the tactics against the English side.

"I'm very excited about it. I've always been up for challenges, whatever is best for the team. Maybe it is that I take the gloves, we'll see. I don't think that would leave us with a bad balance to the side, it opens a spot for an extra bowler or batsman.

"I've really been enjoying my keeping. I kept throughout the whole IPL and for the Proteas T20 and ODI sides and feel I am improving. It's a great challenge for me and hopefully I'll have a good series if I take the gloves."

South Africa have called up Thami Tsolekile as backup following Boucher's retirement.