De Villiers has great expectations
Captain AB de Villiers is looking forward to judging South Africa's bench strength, come this month's ODI series against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Captain AB de Villiers is looking forward to judging South Africa's bench strength, come this month's ODI series against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Fast bowlers Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel have been rested for the three-match series, while the batting order will be without recent retiree Jacques Kallis.
Batsman Rilee Rossouw and left-arm seamer Mthokozisi Shezi, meanwhile, have been afforded maiden call-ups – and the fit-again Marchant de Lange recalled. The burgeoning Beuran Hendricks, too, has been included.
"It's very exciting, the guys that came in are guys that have put up their hands in the last while. They showed us that they have got what it takes to perform at this level," enthused de Villiers.
"It will be a good Test and a good challenge for them, and a great opportunity for us to have a look at the new talent coming through."
De Villiers is mindful of the Proteas' preparation for next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. They have been pooled with the Zimbabweans, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.
"Being eight months away from the World Cup, there are always spots open and available," he concluded.
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