De Villiers faces big challenge

AB de Villiers faces the biggest challenge of a glittering career when he captains South Africa in the third test against England, starting at the Wanderers Stadium on Thursday.De Villiers takes over at a difficult time. Despite fighting back strongly to draw the second test in Cape Town, South Africa have gone eight test matches and more than a year without a win.England lead the series 1-0 and South Africa will lose their No 1 test ranking unless they can earn at least a share of the series honours.The Wanderers has traditionally favoured fast bowlers, but the bowling firepower at De Villiers’ disposal has been severely depleted by injuries to Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.Picking the right bowling line-up will be a key factor for South Africa, with Kyle Abbott and the uncapped Hardus Viljoen, who plays for the Wanderers-based Lions franchise, coming under consideration. There is also a possibility that South Africa might decide to go without specialist spin bowler Dane Piedt, which could mean a recall for batsman and part-time spinner JP Duminy.