De Villiers, who had not missed a single Test match since his debut in 2004, will miss out on a Test series for only the second time in his career, the first instance being his paternity leave last year during their tour of Bangladesh.
"I'm naturally disappointed to miss the Test series against New Zealand, particularly because I have not missed a Test match through injury since my debut in 2004," a disappointed de Villiers said. "However, with an exciting summer of cricket ahead, it is obviously sensible to give my elbow time to heal properly. The Proteas finished last season on a positive note with a win against England in the last Sunfoil Test match, and I am confident that, with Faf at the helm, the team will build on this success," he added.
De Villiers, however, is not the only one to miss the action against the visiting New Zealand team. Fast bowler Morne Morkel too hasn't received the clearance from the medical team due to a back problem. In the 15-man squad announced for the New Zealand series, only Wayne Parnell was not a part of the squad that played England earlier this year.
Linda Zondi, CSA's Selection Convener, gave his assessment of the situation. "It is most unfortunate that we will not be able to call on two players of the quality and experience of De Villiers and Morkel. However, we are fortunate to have a capable stand-in leader in Faf du Plessis and other exciting options to select from," he said.
Dale Steyn, who missed most of the England series due to a shoulder strain, was declared fit alongside Vernon Philander, who hasn't played international cricket since South Africa's tour of India in November 2015.
"Injuries are a reality that we have to deal with and with both Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander fit and firing again after their respective long-term injuries, I am confident that we have the players to take on New Zealand and win.
"Another very encouraging sign is the good pre-season form being shown by a number of Test squad members during the two South Africa A four-day series. These include Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Stiaan van Zyl, Vernon Philander and Dane Piedt," he added.
Dr Mohammad Mosajee, Proteas' team manager, gave a detailed update regarding AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel's respective injuries."AB complained of pain in his left elbow while he was participating in the CPL and subsequent MRI scans revealed an impingement of the joint capsule. He has since been released from the CPL and will need extensive rehab and treatment during a recovery period of between six and eight weeks.
"Morne has been suffering from mild back pain of which scans and further investigation by a specialist revealed a bulging disk. He will also require rehab and a recovery period of between four and six weeks. We are hoping to have both players fully fit and available for selection for the start of the Momentum ODI series against Australia in October," he added.
Test squad: Faf du Plessis (Captain), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen Cook, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl
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