AB de Villiers ruled out of New Zealand Tests, Faf du Plessis named captain

South Africa will have to make do without the services of skipper AB de Villiers for the upcoming home Tests against New Zealand. Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) official website confirmed that Faf du Plessis has been tasked with captaincy duties for the 2-match series.

Pace bowler Morne Morkel also misses out in the 15-member squad because of a recurring back pain. AB de Villiers needs some time off to recover from the elbow injury that he had picked up during his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) stint.

As a consequence, Wayne Parnell makes a comeback into the Test arena after not being part of South Africa’s previous Test series against England. The Proteas had lost that home series 1-2 and are seeking to improve upon their sixth place in the ICC Test rankings.

CSA Selection Convener, Linda Zondi said, “It is most unfortunate that we will not be able to call on two players of the quality and experience of De Villiers and Morkel. However, we are fortunate to have a capable stand-in leader in Faf du Plessis and other exciting options to select from.”

Zondi added, “Injuries are a reality that we have to deal with and with both Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander fit and firing again after their respective long-term injuries, I am confident that we have the players to take on New Zealand and win.”

During the last 12 months or so, South Africa have had to endure quite a few injuries to key personnel such as Steyn who did not participate in six out of their last eight Tests while Philander too missed out on seven of those matches.

Morkel’s absence might be offset by the return of both seam bowlers. But, the Proteas could feel the unavailability of star batsman de Villiers who has played 98 consecutive Test matches starting from December 2004.

Team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee revealed, “AB complained of pain in his left elbow while he was participating in the CPL and subsequent MRI scans revealed an impingement of the joint capsule. He has since been released from the CPL and will need extensive rehab and treatment during a recovery period of between six and eight weeks.”

“Morne has been suffering from mild back pain of which scans and further investigation by a specialist revealed a bulging disk. He will also require rehab and a recovery period of between four and six weeks. We are hoping to have both players fully fit and available for selection for the start of the Momentum ODI series against Australia in October.”

Meanwhile, de Villiers himself expressed disappointment on the development and hoped that his long-time friend du Plessis would lead South Africa to victory in the forthcoming series.

The first Test begins on the 19th in Durban following which the action shifts to SuperSport Park in Centurion for the final match. Led by Kane Williamson, the Kiwis are currently in the midst of a 2-Test series in Zimbabwe.

South Africa Squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen Cook, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl