Dean Elgar is set to captain South Africa in the first Test © Getty Images
AB de Villiers left the South Africa camp 10 days ago but that does not mean he is far from the opposition minds. With the Test series looming, English crowds will have to do without among one of the world’s most entertaining batsmen but they can be reassured South Africa have learned to cope without him.
Asked whether South Africa had “moved on” from de Villiers, Vernon Philander referred to recent results as evidence that they have found a way to do just that. “We’ve made adjustments in order to move on,” Philander said. “I think that’s a personal decision. It’s entirely up to him what he wants to play. We’re a settled unit now. The boys have moved on, the boys have obviously done well over the last 12 months. Our focus is not on one particular player. Our focus is on the team and getting the team to do well.”
Since de Villiers’ elbow injury and subsequent sabbatical from the longest format, South Africa have played four Test series and won them all, including away series in Australia and New Zealand. The Test captaincy has been taken over by Faf du Plessis but South Africa will also be without him for the series opener.
Du Plessis has remained in South Africa following the birth of his daughter and opening bat Dean Elgar will lead in his absence. Although that leaves South Africa with a fairly inexperienced top order – Heino Kuhn will debut while Theunis de Bruyn has only one Test cap – South Africa still have a fair amount of experience in the ranks, Philander among them. He confirmed their support for Elgar.
“It’s an opportunity for someone else to step up and lead the country,” Philander said. “We’ve got all the faith in Dean. If you have the support of the other ten guys on the field, his job will be easier. It’s a big miss losing Faf but we understand his circumstances.”
And among their younger crop, South Africa are excited by the potential they possess. Philander’s new-ball partner Kagiso Rabada will play his first Test series in England and expectation is high that he will prove tough to face.
“He is just a phenomenal talent. Every time he gets the ball in hand he seems to want to run in and bowl faster and get wickets,” Philander said. “He has got a never-say-die attitude about him which is exciting to have. He is not shy of bowling the overs and giving it to the batters as well. Hopefully he will have a good Test series.”
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s South Africa correspondent
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo