Will AB de Villiers Return To Test Cricket After South Africa vs England Series?

Joe Root-led England cricket team continued their dominance as they defeated South Africa by 177 runs at Old Trafford in the fourth and final Test of the South Africa vs England 2017 series. England’s master-class performance led them to a 3-1 series as they did not give South Africa any chances throughout the match.

Although England’s tailenders could not register a 400+ target, those 379 runs eventually proved to be 177 more than what South Africa could make as they succumbed to 202-all out in the final innings.

Moeen Ali, who performed with the bat in England’s second innings, produced yet another stellar bowling display, finishing the South Africa vs England 4th Test with a five-wicket haul. Only Hashim Amla’s elegance and Faf du Plessis resistance were somewhat of a challenge for the hosts while Ali wrecked havoc from one end.

While this was Joe Root’s first Test series win as England captain, South African batting has been scrutinized during the South Africa vs England 2017 series and people have started believing that this is a result of AB de Villiers’ absence from the lineup.

AB de Villiers has not featured in the longest form of Cricket since January last year, as he now battles with a hectic international as well as franchise schedule. Moreover, he himself has sounded not too optimistic regarding his Test career as he has hinted on many occasions that he wants to focus only on winning an ICC title with South Africa.

Shaun Pollock and Faf du Plessis have spoken about AB de Villiers’ comeback in Test cricket and while the latter believes that the 33-year-old will bolster SA’s batting ahead of series against India and Australia, Du Plessis has said that he is unlikely to be back in action for the Test side.

Here Is What Shaun Pollock said,

“I definitely think they’ve got to go down the route of trying to convince AB de Villiers, even if it is just for six months for those two big tours, that he needs to make himself available. Then, the next step would be to try and find someone consistent at the top of the order. I think those are the two big challenges for the South Africans.”

While lamenting the disrupted series for Vernon Philander, the player who tormented England’s batsmen but was affected by illness and injury, causing him being ruled out of the fourth Test altogether, Faf du Plessis said,

“I would love AB to play! But we spend too much time talking about AB coming back, the hope of him coming back is something we need to move past. “Those players you don’t just replace. If AB comes back it’s a huge bonus but I don’t expect him to come back to the Test team.”

“You need Vernon, let’s be honest, we need your best players. Duanne Olivier bowled exceptionally well but Vern is one of the world’s best in these type of conditions. Not to have him was very frustrating. He needs to work on his fitness. It has happened too often that Vernon doesn’t play a full series. I’ve spoken to him about this and he knows he needs to improve. With Australia and India at home, we need him to play those matches.”

South Africa host Bangladesh for two Tests from next month before Australia and India visit the country in 2018, but Du Plessis believes AB de Villiers is no longer a viable option.

As for Ab de Villiers, while South Africa will be looking to solve their problems at the top order, he is scheduled to meet CSA officials later this month to decide his future as a Test cricketer and if rumors are to be believed, Ab de Villiers has already made up his mind to leave the longest format and focus on the limited-overs versions of the game.

There is no denying the fact that Dean Elgar is in need of a new opening partner as Heino Kuhn has averaged just 14.57 during the South Africa vs England 2017 series and has struggled to settle. Moreover, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, and Quinton de Kock, while having their own moments, have failed to go on making big scores.

With all the struggles that Cricket South Africa is facing, Ab de Villiers is indeed to the man to look out for but it would be best for everyone if he makes up his mind and announces his future plans for Test cricket, without any further delay, in order for CSA to look at other possible opportunities.