De Villiers won’t risk a Test comeback this summer
ENGLAND will not come up against AB de Villiers in the Test arena this summer with the South African ruling himself out of that series.
De Villiers, 32, is targeting a return to the longest format in South Africa’s next home summer because of the elbow injury that has now kept him out of all formats since July last year.The batsman has not played red-ball cricket for South Africa since last January’s home series against England though he has also made himself unavailable for any T20 leagues except the IPL.
De Villiers said:“I’m just not ready yet. I’m aware of my elbow.The surgeon said it will be normal. I’m feeling really confident.
“There is a lot of cricket but the situation has changed for me, my priorities have changed. I don’t expect to just walk back into the team, I will make my runs at the Titans.
“The bigger and better reason is my priorities have changed. Playing three formats it felt like the world is on my shoulders.The IPL has become part of the ICC set-up, you won’t see me at any other leagues. I’ll only be playing IPL and for South Africa.”
TCP VERDICT
England will surely be thankful they won’t have to face one of the most naturally talented batsmen in the game, but it’s not good for the fans. He may still be available for the Champions Trophy, but does that show AB’s priorities? Either way, it’s a sign that De Villiers’ injuries are taking their toll, and we may consider ourselves lucky if he ever does pull on the whites again.