CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) – South Africa wicketkeeper AB de Villiers will undergo hand surgery today, but is expected to be fit for the upcoming series against Australia, a Cricket South Africa spokesman said yesterday.
De Villiers will have a plate in his hand removed after it started to cause him discomfort, in a delayed procedure announced a week ago.
The plate was inserted after he suffered a break in the Indian Premier League two years ago. “The recovery period is usually three to four weeks and he should be ready in time for the series against Australia in February,” said South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee.
South Africa are resting key fast bowler Dale Steyn, who suffered a small fracture in his rib in last month’s test win over India in Durban, so that he can also be fit for the series.