Cricket News Today: India get the better of New Zealand, Graeme Smith opens up on AB de Villiers' return and more - 24th January, 2020

#2 Graeme Smith opens up on De Villiers and future of South Africa cricket

AB de Villiers could return to South African colours by the end of the year

Over the past few weeks, speculation has been rife about AB de Villiers making a return to international cricket and possibly, making himself available for the T20 World Cup in Australia, later in the year.

On Friday, Cricket South Africa’s Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith opened up on that possibility and stated that it was something they were looking at. Additionally, he also talked about how South Africa could also look at roping in free agents who frequently ply their trade across the planet’s premier T20 leagues.

I think it is great that AB has expressed his desire to be back in the system. Those chats (with De Villiers) aren’t formal, but we are looking at options around the T20 World Cup. We would be stupid not to look at the free agents who play in most T20 around the world.

Furthermore, the former Proteas skipper elaborated on how South Africa were looking to plan for the future in ODI cricket and what made them hand Quinton de Kock the reins ahead of the series against England.

It has been our intention to put a succession plan in place for 2023. We see him playing a role, but from a leadership perspective, we see an opportunity to move forward in the one-day arena. And Faf is honest he won’t be around in 2023. Leadership has been an issue in South African cricket, and we felt we should give Quinnie (Quinton de Kock) an opportunity.

Read the full article: Graeme Smith reveals AB de Villiers' future and South Africa's captaincy plan in ODIs