After his successful return to action in a club match, AB de Villiers has been added to the Proteas squad for the third T20 against Sri Lanka.

De Villiers has been out of action since August last year with an elbow injury which required surgery. He was eased back, as planned, with a provincial one-day challenge match for Northerns.

The star batsman did not disappoint, smashing three sixes and 19 fours on his way to 134 from 108 balls, enabling Northerns to chase down the 200 for victory in just over 30 overs.

‘He looked in superb touch, like he had never been away, said Northerns coach Marck Charlton. ‘He has an ability to always find a gap in the field which is just unbelievable. His elbow looked 100% fine.  I would say he is good to go.’

The plan was always that De Villiers would play in the third T20 at Newlands on Wednesday if he proved his match fitness. He will then lead the ODI team in a five-match series at home against Sri Lanka before heading to New Zealand for a T20 and five more ODIs.

De Villiers has opted out of playing Tests until at least the end of the year. He said he would play some four-day games for Northerns to prove himself.

Before this one-day match, the Proteas star hasn’t played a competitive game for the Titans in over 10 years.