AB de Villiers fails fitness Test; ruled out of Australia series

After the injury to Chris Morris, South African skipper AB de Villiers has been ruled out of the Australia series. The 32-year old was put through a fitness test on Tuesday, something that he failed to clear thereby ruling him out. The absence of the 32-year old will most certainly come as a shock and will brighten Australia’s chances of securing a much-needed win overseas.

Although a replacement has not been named as of yet, the psychological loss of losing a player such as de Villiers will be a massive blow to the team. Moreover, it puts some of the senior players in the spotlight as to which one of them will be bestowed upon with the massive task of leading this side.

In the Test series against New Zealand, Faf du Plessis was named as the stand-in skipper ahead of the likes of Hashim Amla and JP Duminy. However, despite the loss of de Villiers as well as rain in the first Test, du Plessis led the Proteas to an impressive win in the second Test where Dale Steyn showed one and all what exactly he was capable of.

The selectors of Cricket South Africa have not held back whilst picking the team. Dwaine Pretorius has been named in the side as a replacement for the injured Chris Morris. The 30-year old all-rounder suffered an injury to his knee, something that will keep him out of action for two months. South African pacer Andile Phehlukwayo also has been named in the squad that will face up to the might of Australia in the upcoming tour.

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The Australians, who have an injury crisis in their own camp will play a bevy of 5 One-Day internationals against the Proteas starting 30th of September.