Graeme Swann believes world cricket needs AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers has not played Test cricket since January 2016, but it’s about to change. He confirmed on Wednesday that he would be available for selection from mid-October. Former England off-spinner, Graeme Swann welcomed the decision and emphasized that world cricket needs him.

De Villiers is feeling refreshed

The right-handed batsman said that he tried to handle many commitments which were very draining for his body. He explained that he was feeling ‘mentally and physically tired’ since stepping away from the Test arena. De Villiers said that now he is feeling refreshed and is ready to make a comeback.

Swann welcomed the move and said that this is a welcome progress for all the cricket followers. He said that it is a massive boost for world cricket.

Swann believes AB was missed by South Africa

The English great lamented the fact that de Villiers was not available for the South Africa when they faced England in the Test series. He argued that without him, the team was a much weaker in front of England.

“I wish he’d come back just for the series in England because they desperately needed him and were a weaker team without him. Good on him, get back in there. When he’s on song he’s absolutely awesome, he’s very difficult to bowl at, he’s world class, everyone knows that I’m overjoyed he’s come back,” Swann said as quoted by the Omnisports.

He further added that there is no doubt about AB being a world class batsman. He said that right-handed batsman increases the level of bating line-up as a whole as seeing him in the team is a great confidence boost for the rest of the team.

“He’s world class, a world-class batsman, full stop. You put someone like him in the order and every one oozes confidence on the back of that, so welcome back AB!” Swann said

De Villiers did deserve a break

The former South African captain took an indefinite break from Test cricket and was criticized by critics for this decision. Swann defended him saying that International cricket is indeed very draining. He lashed out at the critics and said they have no idea about the rigours of International cricket.

“With the treadmill of international cricket, anyone who has a go at him and says he didn’t deserve that, they just have no idea, they are living in the past, they are dinosaurs,” Swann concluded.