South Africa have decided to withdraw their one-day international captain AB de Villiers from the side for three-match series against Bangladesh after it was confirmed that he would serve a ban in the first match. South African management has confirmed the right-handed batsman will face the ban that was imposed after a slow over-rate during their World Cup semi-final clash against New Zealand, a second such offence in 12 months by the Proteas skipper.
‘Following this, the Proteas’ management have decided to release de Villiers from the squad for the upcoming three-match series,’ Cricket South Africa said in a statement on Tuesday.
‘AB’s presence and contributions will be missed,’ the statement quoted coach Russell Domingo as saying.
The coach also saw some brighter side of the issue.
‘But we have a hectic playing schedule this season and we felt this would be a great opportunity to develop the next tier of batters during this series, like we are doing with our bowlers.’
De Villiers will miss the two-match Test series following the ODI series to accompany his impregnated wife and the rest may actually help him mentally, believes the coach.
‘We would also like to give him the peace of mind of being close to his wife with the imminent birth of his first born child,’ said Domingo.
Vice-captain, Hashim Amla, will assume the captaincy responsibilities for the series.
-With New Age input
