AB de Villiers to lead the T20 side in 3-match series against England

After a humiliating exit from the ICC Champions Trophy and recent ODI series loss against England, South Africa are all set to take on the English side in a three-match T20I series in England. AB de Villiers is set to lead the side in place of Faf Du Plessis who would remain unavailable for the birth of his child.

AB de Villiers would look to gather some winning momentum after the losses against India, Pakistan, and England ahead of the upcoming four-match Test series against England. AB de Villiers, even after their premature exit from the Champions Trophy, believed that he would lead the side towards victory in the 2019 World Cup. 

In the last T20 series against Sri Lanka, Farhan Behardien led the side. Sri Lanka won the series by a margin of 2-1. CSA National Selection Panel convener, Linda Zondi stated that Behardien is still an integral part of the group and South African cricket are fortunate to have a number of option.

The 3-match series which starts on the 21st of June, just 3 days post the finals of Champions Trophy, will give chance for the likes of Paterson, Smuts, and Mosehle to wear the greens of South Africa yet again.

“I would like to thank Farhaan Behardien for leading the side so ably in the recent series against Sri Lanka. We are indeed fortunate in the quality of our team leaders and Farhaan remains very much part of this group.” said Linda Zondi according to sacricketmag.

“We have also been impressed as a panel by the quality of players coming through our franchise and South Africa ‘A’ system and we are ready to give further opportunities to Andile Phehlukwayo, Mangaliso Mosehle, Jon-Jon Smuts and Dane Paterson who all made their debuts in the recent series against Sri Lanka.” added Zondi.

‘Unfortunately, Lungi Ngidi could not be considered because of injury. This is an exciting opportunity for the newcomers to play alongside world-class and experienced players like AB, Farhaan, David Miller, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris and Wayne Parnell.” concluded the CSA National Selection Panel convener

Standard Bank Proteas T20 International Squad:

AB de Villiers (capt), Farhaan Behardien, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Mangaliso Mosehle, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts