2017 ICC Champions Trophy: South African Skipper AB de Villiers To Undergo Fitness Test Ahead Of Eventual Quarter Final Against India
Nov 2, 2023 at 3:44 PM
South African skipper AB de Villiers will undergo a fitness test ahead of the eventual quarter-final against India to determine his availability. De Villiers suffered a tight hamstring during Africa’s last game against Pakistan, which raised concerns over his fitness. The South African Cricket Board confirmed that De Villiers will undergo a fitness test before a decision is taken over his availability for the game against India.
In case if the skipper fails to be fit for the Super Sunday contest, then Tes Faf du Plessis will be transferred the captaincy duty with Farhan Behardien expected to replace him in the playing XI.
AB de Villiers hasn’t done well in the Champions Trophy as he has just scored four runs in two innings, while he also registered his first golden duck in the game against Pakistan. Despite this, if ruled out, it will be a big blow for the team as De Villiers is a big match player and has the ability to win the game for his team from difficult times. South African team management will be hoping his availability.
Coach Russell Domingo has shown positive signs and has said that he is expecting a big performance from him,
“I’m expecting him to put in a big performance on Sunday. He’s that type of player that when the team needs him, he’ll turn it up on Sunday. I’m sure about that.”
South Africa will face India on Sunday (June 12) at The Oval. The winner of the game will qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament whereas the winner of the second game of Group B between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be the second team from this group to go into the next round.
On the other side England, a member of Group A, have already qualified for the next round, the first and the only team to be there as of now.