Johannesburg: Proteas star batsman AB de Villiers, who missed the first three matches of the six-match series has been named in the South African squad ahead of the fourth match. But it is still yet to be determined whether he would be able to play the fourth ODI or not.
The first three matches of the ongoing series has completely been one-sided, with India dominating everything so far. After a selectors met in Johannesburg on Thursday, de Villiers’ return to the squad was made confirmed but he would still be assessed on the eve of the fourth ODI on February 10 (Saturday).
If his availability in the remainder of the series, starting from the fourth ODI is confirmed, then it would provide the hosts with some much-needed boost. One of the main reasons for the failure of the hosts to make an impact so far has been their inability to counter the Indian spin attack, comprising of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. The duo have had a massive impact in the series so far, grabbing a total of 21 wickets together in the three matches played.
“Having AB back is going to be a massive boost,” said JP Duminy, after his team’s 124-run loss in Cape Town.
He had added, “He’s one of the world’s best players in one-day cricket. He will bring confidence to the team and his leadership within the group will add a lot of value as well.”
De Villiers’ inclusion was the only change made to the Proteas squad. The hosts have already fielded quite a few new faces in the three matches so far in Khaya Zondo, Lungisani Ngidi and wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klaasein. Although this might have been a move to give rest to the Test players ahead of the home Test series against Australia next month, it clearly didn’t seem to pay off as the lack of experience has hurt the hosts, big time.
Senior cricketers like Hashim Amla, Morne Morkel and the young Kagiso Rabada continue to remain the squad. Morkel was rested in the third ODI while Rabada would perhaps miss any one of the remaining three games. Regular skipper Faf Du Plessis and Quinton de Kock continue to be injured.
South Africa squad for last three ODIs-
Aiden Markram (c), Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Khayelihle Zondo, Farhaan Behardien.