AB de Villiers opens up his fitness and recent performances

The leading run-scorer in the ongoing Test series against India, AB de Villiers has looked to be in sublime touch. As an added bonus, his spectacular performances in the last 2 Tests came after a 2-year long hiatus from the longest format of the game, making his knocks even more special. Recently, the 33-year old spoke at length about his fitness issues as well as his recent performances.

ABD has been in sensational form against India and has put in crucial contributions in both Tests, including two splendid half-centuries in the proceedings. South Africa have dominated in all quarters in both Durban and Cape Town, resulting in an unassailable 2-0 lead to their name. The third and final Test of the series will be held in Johannesburg from January 24 (Wednesday).

ABD opens up about his health and the game

Speaking at the launch of the Pink ODI against India slated for February 10, de Villiers said, “It feels like my debut back in 2004 when I started as an opening batsman, then a keeper at no.7 and back to opening, and up and down. My body is feeling right at the moment. I do have niggles but that is part of Test cricket. You never get up feeling a hundred percent. The back is still there, the ankles and knees, everything is hurting at times but to be playing the ultimate form of the game again, it has been a great challenge.”

When asked about his frame of mind that has helped him pile on 200 runs in just 2 Test matches, the star player elucidated, “I watch the ball and just play. I have always said that I don’t feel there’s a big difference between the three formats. It is just a mindset of applying yourself to the wicket and conditions. That’s always been the way that I have played. So it is definitely not something that I force. I don’t go out there to get hundreds. If I can get out there and contribute 50s and 60s, I take that. Unfortunately for me it was one of those Tests in the last one. But another opportunity, another Test match is coming up to contribute to the team…If I get to score a hundred doing so then it’s a bonus.”

Mighty impressed with the youngsters

Ab de Villers went on to express his admiration for the youngsters in his side. “I have been extremely impressed by them, the way they have come in and the maturity Aiden [Markram] and Lungi [Ngidi] have shown. KG (Rabada) is obviously the number one bowler in the world and still a youngster. In my eyes, he just started off the other day and has shown the maturity of a guy who has played 10 seasons,” he said.

He also admitted that he likes being a mentor to the young guys. “Hopefully one day they will remember ‘that old guy who had a good impact on me’. Faf has been leading the side well, there is confidence, and it is easy to fit in as the senior player,” added the feisty batsman.

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