South African batsman A.B. de Villiers, ranked No.1 in the ICC's Test batting rankings, remains troubled by a hand injury that could mean he will be without a game before February's Test series against Australia.
De Villiers is still in considerable discomfort after having surgery on his left hand about two weeks ago.
He is confident that he will be fit for the first Test, starting on February 12, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
De Villiers played a crucial part in South Africa's 1-0 series success against Australia last summer.
He said he is looking forward to a massive series against Australia, and added that they're playing really good cricket, but there's no reason for us to stand back.
