Cricket South Africa has confirmed that AB de Villiers will not be coming out of retirement to don the national jersey for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin in October later this year. De Villiers retired from international arena in 2018.
‘Discussions with AB de Villiers have concluded with the batsmen deciding once and for all, that his retirement will remain final,’ read the statement.
There were some speculations regarding his comeback. De Villiers himself expressed interest ahead of the now-suspended Indian Premier League. He stated that he was in talks with the South Africa head coach Mark Boucher, and might consider joining the national side, subject to form and fitness.
Further, CSA also announced the squad for all formats for the upcoming West Indies and Ireland tours. In the West Indies, they will play two Tests and five T20Is, all in St Lucia and Barbados. Dean Elgar will be lead the Test side, while Temba Bavuma will be at the helm in the limited-overs format.
Prenelen Subrayen’s exploits in the domestic league, where he picked up 19 wickets in four games, earned him a maiden Test call-up. He is also joined by his Under-19s teammate right-arm pacer Lizaad Williams. Marco Jansen, 21, too broke into the Test squad for the first time in his career.
The Proteas have loaded their bowling attack with spinners. Subrayen will be a part of the spin-attack comprising of Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaja and George Linde.
South Africa Test squad for WI tour:
Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Petersen, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Prenelen Subrayen, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams
South Africa T20Is squad for WI tour:
Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius.
Proteas’ squad for Ireland tour:
Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams