The “that” in De Villiers’ case is return to keeping wicket for the South African team, which was made clear on Tuesday when new national selection convenor Linda Zondi recalled 36-year-old Morne van Wyk to be the Proteas’ wicketkeeper/batsman in the ODI and T20 series against New Zealand starting on August 14, replacing the out-of-form Quinton de Kock.
While undoubtedly still being a quality performer – he hammered an unbeaten T20 century for South Africa against the West Indies as recently as January – Van Wyk cannot be considered a long-term option for the ODI side and, with an eye on the 2019 World Cup, the better option may have been to play Reeza Hendricks as an opening batsman, with De Villiers keeping wicket.
Hendricks, who has already played five T20 internationals for the Proteas, averaged 58 and scored three centuries for the Knights in last season’s Momentum One-Day Cup. He also averages 51 in 50-over cricket for South Africa A, with four centuries in 24 innings and is clearly a player who should be in strong contention for 2019.
