How big a loss will AB de Villiers be in the South Africa vs England series?

[Hasan123]

So AB has opted out of South Africa's upcoming series in England. Whilst some may not rate him in this format, surely he is a better option than JP or Bavuma who have been inconsistent and test careers who haven't taken off yet. Also Faf hasn't been prolific in recent tests. So do you think South Africa will miss AB De Villiers or not?

I would have liked to see him play in the series, I know South Africa beat Australia without him but I think his experience could have proved vital on this tour.

Discuss...

 

[soso_killer]

He'll be a big loss without a shadow of a doubt.
I remember SA having England 90/4 in Jo'burg, only for Root and Stokes to counter attack with 100+ partnership. That completely killed our momentum and subsequently gave them a slender lead.
I personally feel he could have played a similar role in England alongside QdK. Both sides will lose early wickets upfront, it's the middle order that will be paramount.
Wickets will fall in clusters and both teams will collapse at various stages. Counter attacking will be the difference. England have Root, Stokes and Barstow in their middle order who can counter attack individually or collectively.
Amla will have to consolidate and stabilize the innings, that only lives us with only one free flowing player in de Kock.
England have a far superior middle and lower order.

So disappointed with AB, Australia and England are the two teams South Africans relish to beat. If a player is not interested to compete against them then he should simply retire. It's clear AB has lost his passion.

 

[Justcrazy]

AB would be a loss in any format. He is a game changer .

I think that SA still can compete , and will be a close series.

 

[Protea Fan]

He's still timing it beautifully and hitting nicely

His lose would be massive against such a quality team....More over bavuma's form was in steep decline recenlty and duminy was faily inconsistent

AB's decision to setp down was unpardonable

 

[Chrish]

All major players were either absent or flopped in Australia..

Loosing Abbott would be bigger loss

 

[Pollack]

Not much.