AB de Villiers will lead South Africa in his comeback Test match against Zimbabwein the absence of regular captain Faf du Plessis, Cricket South Africa confirmed on Tuesday (December 26). Du Plessis, who gave himself only a 60% chance of recovering in time for the historic four-day Test, was ruled out as a viral infection delayed his recovery from lower back and shoulder injuries.
“Faf has been making steady progress from the respective back and shoulder injuries and until last week was on track to make a comeback in this match,” team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee said. “He developed a respiratory tract infection which delayed his recovery this week, and subsequently made it difficult for him to make a full recovery in time for the match. He will continue to receive treatment and rehab from our physiotherapist, Craig Govender, and we are hopeful he will recover in time to lead the team for the first Test match against India starting in Cape Town on January 5th.”
