AB de Villiers has been withdrawn from the ODI series against Bangladesh, which starts on Friday, after he was suspended for one game by the ICC for a slow over-rate in South Africa’s World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in March.
The ban will take effect for Friday’s opening ODI against Bangladesh in Mirpur. This transgression was De Villiers’ second minor over-rate offence in the same format within 12 months following the offence against Australia in Perth in November 2014.
Following this, the Proteas’ management have decided to release De Villiers from the squad for the upcoming three-match series starting on Friday.
Proteas coach, Russell Domingo, explained the decision: ‘AB’s presence and contributions will be missed but we have a hectic playing schedule this season and we felt this would be a great opportunity to develop the next tier of batters during this series, like we are doing with our bowlers.
‘We would also like to give him the peace of mind of being close to his wife with the imminent birth of his first child.’
Vice-captain Hashim Amla, will assume the captaincy responsibilities for the series.
Domingo also announced on behalf of the selectors that Proteas leg-spinner, Eddie Leie, will remain in Bangladesh for the ODI series.
‘We’d like to keep Eddie on for the ODI series as an opportunity for him to get exposed to the environment and to integrate him into the squad. It will be good for him to spend time with the coaches and to get a taste of what international cricket is about.
‘He hasn’t officially been added to the squad but will take valuable learning from being around this group of players.’
