De Villiers to test readiness for final T20

PROTEAS batting superstar AB de Villiers is expected to make a low key return to action in an amateur match in Benoni next Sunday.

De Villiers has been out of action since August with an elbow injury and Proteas team manager and Doctor Mohammed Moosajee confirmed that he had resumed training and was raring to go.

Moosajee added that if he came through Sunday’s match uns he would be included in the Proteas team to take on Sri Lanka in the third and final T20 match at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on January 25.

“AB [De Villiers] trained this week‚ he worked with the coaches in the nets and his elbow is good to go. He is going to play an ODI match next week Sunday for the amateur team with the view of him being selected for the third and last T20 against Sri Lanka in Cape Town‚” he said.

In another injury update‚ Moosajee said premier fast bowler Dale Steyn was due to start rehabilitation.

“Dale Steyn went for a re-scan ten days ago which showed that the fracture has healed completely‚ which is a good sign.

“He has been given the go-ahead to start rehabilitation and start running again. He is under the watchful eye of the physiotherapist‚ which is good news for him and for us.”

With regard to bowler Morne Morkel‚ Moosajee said they would assess him this week and see if he is able to play with De Villiers in the same amateur match.

“Morne Morkel was also meant to play next week Sunday but the challenge with him is that from his rehabilitation there are still symptoms that are there.

“So‚ we are going to have to reassess before we make a final decision whether he can make an appearance for the amateur team on Sunday or not.

“If the assessment shows that he is not ready‚ we have to delay the process of him playing.”

Allrounder Chris Morris has also recovered and is symptom-free from injury.

With De Villiers’ return to international limited overs cricket imminent in the next few weeks after a long injury lay-off‚ Proteas captain Faf du Plessis said he was not sure how he felt about Test cricket at the moment.

“I am not sure because I don’t know how AB [De Villiers] will feel about Test cricket and that’s my honest answer.

“We are excited to have him back and I am hoping that he decides to play for us because he is a world class player and an inspirational leader‚” he said.