AB de Villiers can play 3-day warm-up tie against Zimbabwe in pursuit of Test comeback

AB de Villiers can play a three-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe in December as part of his comeback trail. South Africa are expected to play Zimbabwe in a first-ever four-day day-night Test from December 26 at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth. The warm-up match will be played at Paarl between the tourists and a South African Invitation XI, from December 20. As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Linda Zondi, convener of selectors, has stated that South Africa want de Villiers back to Test cricket as soon as possible. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: South Africa vs Zimbabwe 2017-18, one-off four-day day-night Test at Port Elizabeth

On de Villiers’s Test comeback

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“We’d like to get him back in whites as soon as possible and we have some plans in place. There’s the practice match which will be good for him,” said Zondi. Ottis Gibson nods AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn’s way back to Test squad

De Villiers himself spoke on the issue: “I’ve had time at home to get fresh, time to work on my body, and time to work on skills I’ve not worked on in many years. I’ve sort of rediscovered that love of the game. I’ve not had an off-season where I’ve gone to nets to work on my skills and technique for ages. Last year, in the peak of the season, I was less ready for Test cricket than I am now. It will be nice to go out there and spend some time on my legs. Form-wise I feel ready, but it’s important to stand in the field for a while and hopefully get a long knock.”