Share

Jonty on AB recall: Proteas should do anything to win T20 World Cup

Former South Africa batsman Jonty Rhodes believes that the Proteas should "do anything" to win this year's T20 World Cup and suggested that bringing back AB de Villiers would be a great idea.

The 36-year-old retired from international cricket in May 2018 and has since competed in T20 leagues around the world.

De Villiers made headlines last year when news broke that the star batsman had made himself available for the 2019 World Cup in England.

He was not included in that 16-man squad and the Proteas ended their disappointing campaign in seventh place.

While competing at this year's Big Bash League, De Villiers admitted that he would love to come out of retirement and play in October's T20 World Cup.

Proteas head coach Mark Boucher gave the likes of De Villiers, spinner Imran Tahir and all-rounder Chris Morris a deadline of June 1 to make themselves available for the national team.

Rhodes said that he is keen to see De Villiers back, but acknowledges that it won't be an easy call to make.

"I think it's interesting because it's a tough call. You want your best team to play, it's also tough on the guys who then miss out," Rhodes told ESPNcricinfo in Mumbai.

"If you want to win a T20 World Cup, you should do anything to win it.

"You're not breaking any rules, you are setting a slight precedent and you are going to be upsetting a few players who are going to miss out. But a team without AB de Villiers or a team with AB de Villiers... I'd love to see that guy play."

The Proteas are in Group 2 for October's T20 World Cup alongside India, England, Afghanistan and two qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the Proteas take on India in their three-match ODI series, which gets under way on Thursday in Dharamshala (10:00 SA time).

- Compiled by Lynn Butler

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Pakistan 0
New Zealand 99/2
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
65% - 397 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
35% - 218 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE