AB comeback bid stymied

Ottis Gibson and Faf du Plessis put an offer from AB de Villiers to return to national duty for the World Cup‚ but it was rejected by the selectors.

De Villiers made a shock retirement from international cricket in May last year – a decision that has come back to haunt South Africa‚ who have for the first time lost three consecutive games at a World Cup.

ESPNcricinfo reported on Thursday that De Villiers’ wish to make a comeback was put to the selectors the day before the squad was announced.

“For Faf du Plessis and Ottis Gibson to share AB’s desire to be included in the squad on the day we announced our World Cup squad on April 18 was a shock to all of us‚” a Cricket South Africa release quoted selection convenor Linda Zondi as saying.

“AB left a big vacuum when he retired; we had a year to find players at franchise level to fill the gap.

“We had players who put in the hard work‚ who put up their hands and deserved to be given the opportunity to go to the World Cup.

“The decision was based on principle; we had to be fair to the team‚ the selection panel‚ our franchise system and players.

“AB is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world‚ but above all else we have to stay true to our morals and principles.”

South Africa’s team management clarified that “at no point did Ottis and Faf want AB in the team.

“They simply just relayed the message to Linda.”

South Africa have lost to England‚ Bangladesh and India‚ and must win all six of their remaining matches to be confident of reaching the semifinals.