AB de Villiers in a mess after 18 rounds of golf

South Africa are struggling without their star players. Injuries to the backbone of the team have not gone well with the management. In the third Test, AB de Villiers suffered an injury to his finger, while Faf du Plessis is ruled out with the same injury for the rest of the tour. This has come as a huge blow for the Proteas as they are struggling to find their feet in the ODI series.

AB de Villiers is one of the best players in the world. Having him in the team gives other players an assurance. However, his absence has devastated the African team as they are losing the series. India has already taken a two lead. With the 33-year old scheduled to return for the fourth ODI, Cricket South Africa seemed unhappy with the star.

ABD goes golfing despite the injury

AB de Villiers return is much awaited by the management, but the board is unhappy with him. ABD went golfing despite going through a finger injury. Golf is different to cricket but requires a lot of hand movements. There was a risk in that and the chief doctor of CSA was not impressed.

Shuaib Manjra, the head of CSA medical committee, was unhappy with ABD. He said that there are no restrictions on the player’s activity whilst they are injured. However, one must not indulge in any activity that will risk the injury more. He also said that they are expecting him to return in two weeks as Cape Town ODI is too early for the veteran batter.

“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, We expect him to return in probably two weeks time, but we are also going to take it as it comes. 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,” said Manjra.

However, there can be positive signs of his action as well. Manjra said that if he can complete 18 rounds of golf without complaining then his finger might be better than he suspected. Manjra also gave good news about Dale Steyn’s injury. He said that the speedster will be back for the Australian series.

“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. 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,”  concluded Manjra.