De Villiers wasn’t part of the Proteas’ recent 1-0 Test series win over the Black Caps of New Zealand and has been out of action for six weeks already due to an elbow injury.

The player was withdrawn from the South African squad yesterday to face Ireland in a once-off One-Day International on Sunday.

The team’s management opted to offer De Villiers an extended rehab period ahead of the 5-match ODI series against the world champions, Australia.

The team’s coach, Russell Domingo, conceded that the situation with the influential batsman is not ideal and it’s difficult to replace a player of De Villiers’ calibre.

“It’s not ideal, but it’s part of the game.

“We will assess him next week, hopefully he passes the fitness test and if he doesn’t we will have to move on.

“It’s difficult to replace a player of AB’s ability but it’s a great opportunity for someone to make a play and do something massive for the team.”

The injury to De Villiers will be re-evaluated on Tuesday and we will also have to undergo a fitness test.

The team’s manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee, confirmed that should De Villiers not pass the fitness test, he will have to undergo surgery and be sidelined for six to eight weeks, which means he will miss South Africa’s tour to Australia.

“He will undergo treatment this week with our physiotherapist, Brandon Jackson, and a final call on his availability for the first ODI against Australia will be subject to him passing a fitness test.

“While surgery remains the last option, we hope that the extra time will allow the injury to respond to treatment.”

Sunday’s ODI between the Proteas and Ireland at Willowmoore Park in Benoni is scheduled to get underway at 10:00.

Morgan Piek/OFM News