South Africa was dealt a big blow as it was revealed that AB de Villiers would miss the first three games of the 6 match ODI series against India, due to an injury he sustained in the final Test against India.
However, De Villiers was sighted playing golf at the Pretoria Country Club earlier this week and this didn’t go down well with the Cricket South Africa officials.
“Once you have got an injury and you are out of the squad, you will be on your own with your franchise. You will be free to pursue any other activity you would like to, but obviously, we would appreciate not engaging in any activity as it is risky,” Dr. Shuaib Manjra, the head of the CSA medical committee told Sportstar on Sunday.
CSA had stated that De Villiers will be out of the game for two weeks in order to recover properly, but the medical team is working on him to get him ready for the fourth ODI on Feb 10- which will also be the ‘pink’ ODI, with the host team donning the pink uniform to spread awareness about breast cancer.
“We expect him to return in probably two weeks time, but we are also going to take it as it comes. A decision will be made closer to the fourth ODI. He clearly won’t be ready for the ODI in Cape Town on Wednesday, but we will try to get him ready for the pink ODI,” he added.
“Golf is very different to cricket and his injury is healing. If he could play 18 rounds of golf, without complaining of pain, it’s a positive sign for us,” he chuckled.
Dr. Manjra also gave an update about fast bowler Dale Steyn, who broke down in the 1st Test against India with a damaged tissue in his foot.
“We are monitoring him on a weekly basis and he should be fit for the series against Australia (starting March 1). He is rehabilitating extremely well,” revealed Dr. Manjra.
