Proteas star Quinton de Kock admits playing all three formats becoming tough

South Africa wicketkeeper batsman Quinton de Kock said players will find it difficult to play all three formats of the game as more fixtures are added to the cricket calendar.

The three-match ODI series between the Proteas and England was drawn 1-1 on Sunday after heavy rain during the third ODI at Headingley.

Less than 28 overs of play were possible in Leeds before the game was called in the first innings with South Africa on 159-2.

De Kock was denied a chance to score a century as he was stranded on 92 off 76 balls before the weather intervened. But the spotlight was on cricket's busy calendar, which has attracted criticism following England all-rounder Ben Stokes's decision to retire from ODIs.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram last week said he understood the reasons behind Stokes's decision, while ex-England captain Nasser Hussain described the global cricket schedule as "madness".

"It's going to start being tough for players - three formats is a lot and it looks like more games are happening over the calendar," De Kock said.

"Players need to make decisions individually and if they feel they can do it [play all three formats], I am happy for them. But guys need to take decisions into their own hands."

The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman announced his retirement from Test cricket in December, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

"I've been roped in to play a couple of leagues but that's my own consequence," De Kock said. "I am happy to do it.

"It's still a sacrifice but I'm slowly getting to an age where I need to think about where I want to be in my career. As long as I can do it at my own pace then I am happy.

"When you're still young you need to play all three formats and get certain things