England vs South Africa: AB de Villiers' absence a massive loss, but don't write Proteas off, says Nasser Hussain

The absence of AB de Villiers in the upcoming Test series against England will be a big loss, but former England captain Nasser Hussain insisted that South Africa cannot be taken easily. While speaking to the Hindustan Times, Hussain said South Africa boast of good cricketing talents who have proven their mettle against tough oppositions. “De Villiers is a big loss. They will argue that they’ve lived on without de Villiers through the past year or so and they’ve moved themselves up. They’ve played some very good cricket. They have beaten Australia three times, India, they’ve played well all around the world. They travel well, they’ve got a good record in England,” Hussain said. “With the likes of (Hashim) Amla and (Kagiso) Rabada, (Vernon) Philander, (Morne) Morkel, you put their side down on paper and they are a very, very good cricketing side,” Hussain added.

De Villiers had opted to stay out of Test cricket in order to be fit for the limited overs games and he will soon take a call on his future with the national team. Faf du Plessis, who took over as captain of South Africa from de Villiers, will also miss the first Test against England due to family reasons, so southpaw Dean Elgar will lead the side on Thursday at Lord’s. South Africa enjoy a terrific away record in Test cricket having lost just one series in past 10 years.