Cricket South Africa (CSA) has put all the speculations to rest regarding AB de Villiers’ return to international cricket, stating that discussions with the star batsman have 'concluded' with him deciding "once and for all" that his retirement will remain final.
During the now-suspended IPL 2021, De Villiers had said he is open to make a comeback with South Africa at this year’s ICC T20 World Cup, slated to be played in October-November. In the past, Proteas head coach Mark Boucher had also spoken about the chances of De Villiers’ international comeback.
On Tuesday (May 18), CSA announced the red and white-ball squads for their upcoming tour of West Indies and Ireland.
The 19-member Test squad will be led by Dean Elgar. It will be his first outing as captain after being handed over the job in early March. Lizaad Williams has earned a maiden Test call-up while Prenelan Subrayen has also found a place in the Test line-up.
The Temba Bavuma-led 20-member white-ball squad retained Sisanda Magala and Lizaad Williams, both of whom made their debut in the recently held home series against Pakistan.
CSA convenor of selectors, Victor Mpitsang, said: "This is a massive outing for the Proteas. We have a fully fit team with an exciting balance of youth and experience. The Selection Panel is confident that it has put together an exciting and excited, young group of cricketers that will be well led by Dean (Elgar) and Temba (Bavuma)."
"The Caribbean is well-known for its low and slow wickets and we have ensured that we have chosen the personnel needed for every eventuality on this very important excursion. While there aren’t any (ICC World Test Championship) points to play for, it is still of vital importance for South Africa to produce winning results through a steadily growing and high-performing cricket pipeline.
"The historic tour to Ireland is crucial for points towards our qualification for the 2023 Cricket World Cup and preparation for the T20 World Cup later this year. This is the start of our road to these trophies and every tour will see us field our absolute best sides."
South Africa will play two Tests and five T20Is during their West Indies tour from June 10 to July 3, while they will take on Ireland in three ODIs and as many T20Is from July 11-25.
South Africa Test Squad to West Indies:
Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain), Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Peterson, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams, Prenelan Subrayen, Marco Jansen.
South Africa T20 Squad to West Indies:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller , Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.
South Africa squad to Ireland:
Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.
