ABD doesn't play anymore, says Rhodes

New Delhi: After South Africa suffered their second consecutive defeat in the ongoing World Cup, fans on social media pointed out that the Proteas are missing the services of batting great AB de Villiers and injured pacer Dale Steyn. They have gone on to add that their presence could have made the difference for the Faf du Plessis-led side.

But former South Africa all-rounder Jonty Rhodes begged to differ and said that it was high time that the Proteas realised that de Villiers had retired and he wouldn't be available for selection. While South Africa lost by 104 runs against hosts England in their campaign opener, the Proteas lost by 21 runs against Bangladesh on Sunday.

Rhodes took to Twitter and said that relying on a couple of players wouldn't work and it was a case of some poor batting which resulted in South Africa's second defeat in the showpiece event. After Sunday's game, a fan told Rhodes: "Your country (South Africa) is seeing the lack of AB (de Villers) and (Dale) Steyn in the matches."

The 49-year-old then replied: "Whole team can't rely on 2 players; there is no more ABD. Batsmen got in and got out. Bad shot selection; so many top order players out "bowled" on good batting surface tells a story."