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Smith terms comments surrounding ABD as fake

Smith terms comments surrounding ABD as fake

By Rajdeep Saha
Apr 29, 2020
07:15 pm
What's the story

Former opener Graeme Smith, who was named South Africa's Director of Cricket a few days earlier, has termed comments surrounding AB de Villiers as fake. ABD had stated that Cricket South Africa wants him to lead the national side once again. ABD had earlier announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket in May 2018. Here's more on the same.

Return

ABD was thinking about making a return to the side

ABD was talking on a return to the national team for the ICC T20 World Cup after making his debut in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) for Brisbane Heat. ABD had stated he was in talks with the new management at CSA about a potential return but didn't offer any guarantees. He was also in talks with the concerned people.

Boucher

Boucher had dropped a hint regarding ABD

In February, coach Mark Boucher stated that ABD was in contention for a spot to participate in the World T20. "I have had chats with him and we will probably know pretty soon what is going to happen with him. If we are going to a World Cup, I would like to have our best players there," Boucher was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Form

I have got to be in top form, claims ABD

"The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form and I have got to be better than the player next to me. If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI," he said.

Quote

ABD has been asked by CSA to lead the Proteas

"The desire is there from my side to play for South Africa and I have been asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again," said ABD to Star Sports.

Form

IPL 2020: A lot of focus was on ABD

The team management was keen to see ABD perform ably in the Indian Premier League (IPL), however, the tournament got indefinitely postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic. It's obvious that the legendary batsman wants to make a return only if he is in good form. Of late, ABD has done reasonably well in global T20 leagues and is still fit.

Captaincy

Captaincy could remain with Quinton de Kock

Wisden had tweeted asking what do you make of the AB de Villiers situation and Smith responded by saying it is absolute fake news. One feels ABD's imminent return for South Africa is on the cards, however, going by Smith's comment, the captaincy could remain with Quinton de Kock. The Proteas wicket-keeper batsman was appointed skipper after Faf du Plessis stepped down.

Twitter Post

Fake news!