The Proteas camp is in discussions with AB de Villiers to bring him back out of international retirement ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
De Villiers retired from international cricket last year, but there were rumours that he wanted to return to the team ahead of the 50-over World Cup this year.
It wasn’t to be.
But with the T20 World Cup around the corner, national captain Faf du Plessis says the 35-year-old could be back when they play England in the short game come February.
KEEN: Proteas captain Faf du Plessis. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix.
Du Plessis reveals: “Those conversations have been happening two or three months ago.
“The T20 World Cup is not too far away and there isn’t a long list of T20 internationals over the season.
“Those conversations have taken place and they will take place before the next T20 international series starts.”
NOT OPPOSED: New Proteas coach Mark Boucher. Picture: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix.
New coach Mark Boucher is also keen on getting De Villiers back, saying: “When you go to a World Cup you want your best players playing for you. Why wouldn’t I want to have a conversation with him? I might have conversations with quite a few players and see where they are.
“You want your best players playing in the World Cup and if there’s a couple of issues you need to iron out, with media, with teammates, and if it’s for the good of South Africa, why not, let’s do it.”
De Villiers proved that he is arguably still the best T20 player in the country at the recent Mzansi Super League where he scored the fourth-most runs (607) in the tournament at an average of 38, including six 50s.