De Villiers expected to fit for Oz series despite imminent hand surgery

South African wicketkeeper and ODI captain AB de Villiers is reportedly expected to be fit for the upcoming series against Australia despite his imminent hand surgery this week.

De Villiers will have a plate in his hand, which was inserted after he suffered a break in the Indian Premier League (IPL) two years ago, removed after it started to cause him discomfort, in a delayed procedure announced a week ago.

According to Sport24, South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said that as the recovery period is usually three to four week, therefore, De Villiers should be ready in time for the series against Australia in February.

The report mentioned that South Africa is 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.

South Africa will play three tests and three Twenty20 internationals against Australia, with the first test starting in Pretoria on Feb 12, and the report mentioned that both teams are in good form after South Africa won a two-match series against India 1-0 last month and Australia completed a one-sided 5-0 triumph over England in the Ashes.