Proteas captain, AB de Villiers a doubt for Australia series

AB de Villiers could miss the one-day international series against Australia after the South Africa captain was given “an extended period of rehabilitation” to recover from an elbow injury.

The prolific batsman has been sidelined since damaging his left elbow playing in the Caribbean Premier League and will not feature in Sunday’s one-off ODI against Ireland in Benoni.

De Villiers’ participation in a five-match series against world champions Australia in the 50-over format, which starts a week on Friday, is dependent on the 32-year-old passing a fitness test.

Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee said: “AB has been on a rigorous rehabilitation and treatment plan for the last six weeks but is still complaining of pain in the elbow region.

“We consulted with a specialist, who advised extensive rehab and injected the elbow with cortisone, however, the CSA [Cricket South Africa] medical committee has recommended a few more days of rehab to allow the elbow to improve.

“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.”