Batting wizard AB de Villiers is all set to return to South Africa’s ODI squad for the remaining three matches of six-match ODI series against India. The batting maverick had to miss the first three ODIs due to a finger injury.
De Villiers was hit on his finger during the third Test at Wanderers and was consequently advised rest for upto two weeks. Having conceded an unassailable 3-0 lead in the ODI series, the Proteas camp will certainly feel glad to have the services of their best batsman for the 'Pink' ODI at Wanderers on Saturday (February 10).
ALERT | @ABdeVilliers17 added to @OfficialCSA’s ODI squad for remaining three matches against #India #SAvIND https://t.co/cnMzhVeBsp
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) February 8, 2018
South Africa have already lost the services of their regular skipper Faf du Plessis and wicket-keeper batsman Quintin de Kock for the remainder of the limited-overs series owing to finger and wrist injury respectively. No wonder, the hosts had looked depleted in the first three games.
The Proteas batsmen have been found out against the Indian wrist spinners – Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. While Kuldeep’s 3 for 34 had laid the foundation for India’s 6-wicket win in the ODI series opener at Durban, Chahal’s maiden five-wicket haul (5 for 22) resulted in a resounding 9-wicket triumph for the visitors in the second ODI at Centurion.
The spin duo unleashed yet another havoc on the home team in the third ODI. Kuldeep and Chahal have claimed 8 for 69 while bowling in tandem as India registered a compressive 124-run victory at Cape Town.
Considering De Villiers’ flawless footwork against the spinners, one can expect the remaining matches to be more competitive.
South Africa squad for last three ODIs:
Aiden Markram (c), Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Khayelihle Zondo, Farhaan Behardien.
India vs South Africa limited-overs itinerary:
Feb 01, 1st ODI – Kingsmead, Durban
Feb 04, 2nd ODI – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Feb 07, 3rd ODI – Newlands, Cape Town
Feb 10, 4th ODI – New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Feb 13, 5th ODI – St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
Feb 16, 6th ODI – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Feb 18, 1st T20I – New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Feb 21, 2nd T20I – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Feb 24, 3rd T20I – Newlands, Cape Town
