DHAKA: Captain of visiting South Africa’s ODI team AB de Villiers will not play the forthcoming ODI series against Bangladesh after South Africa released him from the squad.

Hashim Amla will lead the team in his absence, reports espncricinfo.

De Villiers was unavailable for the first ODI against Bangladesh on July 10 due to a one-match suspension that was handed to him during the World Cup.

South Africa had maintained a slow over-rate in their semi-final against New Zealand in March. It was de Villiers’ second such offence in 12 months, the first coming against Australia in Perth in November 2014, leaving him open to the ban.

So South Africa's team management decided to release him from the remaining two games as well to try other batsmen and allow de Villiers time with his family.

“AB’s presence and contributions will be missed but we have a hectic playing schedule this season and we felt this would be a great opportunity to develop the next tier of batters during this series, like we are doing with our bowlers,” coach Russell Domingo said.

“We would also like to give him the peace of mind of being close to his wife with the imminent birth of his first-born child,” he added.

De Villiers was already going to miss the Tests having asked for paternity leave.

BDST: 2342 HRS, JUL 07, 2015
SR