There’s no coming back for Rossouw

The last time Rilee Rossouw (right) played international cricket, he was named Man of the Series.

Significantly, the left-hander – who made 311 runs at an average of 77 in a 5-0 whitewash of Australia – was hailed as the successor to AB de Villiers, particularly given the fact that the injured De Villiers was not present.

A few months later, Rossouw dropped a bombshell: his Proteas career was over as he’d signed a Kolpak agreement with English county side Hampshire.

Russell Domingo and Haroon Lorgat, national head coach and CSA chief, respectively, fanned the flames by accusing him of a lack of communication.

Now, the 29-year-old is back for a short stint with the Tshwane Spartans in the Mzansi Super League; De Villiers has retired from international cricket; and there’s only one year left on Rossouw’s English contract.

The big question to ask is rather obvious: Is he coming back?

“I have to admit that I haven’t really looked back since I made that decision,” Rossouw said yesterday.

“Obviously I do miss playing for the Proteas, but it’s a decision I made. I’m sticking with it.”

Even the fact De Villiers is out of the picture isn’t enough to tempt him to make a return.

“The Kolpak decision wasn’t one I made overnight. I’d love to talk to you all about the why in detail, but it’s not the right time yet,” said Rossouw.

“It’s good to be back. I have one year left on my current contract and I haven’t really given thought to what comes after that. As things stand right now, I just want to keep on extending.”