LEFT ARM OVER
NEIL MANTHORP: De Villiers’s Test future could be on a final wicket
Perhaps the lustre and appeal of the five-day game is dimming for the batsman, writes Neil Manthorp
The loudest noise between rumours of Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw’s imminent departure from the South African game and confirmation of the news was the sound of silence from the players themselves. If the media leak had been incorrect or even inaccurate, one or probably both players would have been quick to defend themselves or attack shoddy journalism. Or both. And with good cause. Now there is a different sound of silence — and it is coming from a cricketer far more valuable on and off the field than Abbott or Rossouw would – or will – ever be. It was astonishing to hear Faf du Plessis calmly state that he had not discussed AB de Villiers’s future in Test cricket for the past few months of his protracted recovery and rehabilitation from elbow surgery. There was something almost casual about his reference to "…if he wants to play [Tests] for us". Perhaps their near lifelong friendship is taking strain following Du Plessis’s ascendancy to the Test captaincy, which De Villiers had l...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.