Herschelle Gibbs blasts AB de Villiers for his decision to play Test cricket at his will

Former South Africa power hitter Herschelle Gibbs has lashed out on AB de Villiers for his ignorance towards Test cricket. Herschelle Gibbs thinks that is is a matter of utter disrespect when a cricketer gets the authority to choose when he is going to play and when he will not. The absence of De Villiers proved costly for the Proteas in their 3-1 defeat against England in the recently concluded Test series. It also marked South Africa’s first test series defeat on English soil since 1998.

De Villiers has not donned the white jersey for South Africa since the last 19 months. The ‘Superman’ of cricket took a decision in January which clearly stated that his primary focus is to be fit for the limited overs format and be available for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. As a result, De Villiers decided to take a temporary break from the longest format of the game.

Present South Africa Test skipper Faf du Plessis mentioned that AB de Villiers has “earned the right to do whatever he wants to”. Du Plessis said this after he returned to the country on Thursday after their disappointing performance in the United Kingdom. Herschelle Gibbs criticised both Du Plessis and AB de Villiers for their actions. Gibbs said that ‘no captain should put a player on a pedestal’ and he was absolutely taken aback to read this statement from Du Plessis.

Ashwell Prince joins Gibbs:

Gibbs came up with the example of South African legend Jacques Kallis to highlight the situation. Gibbs said that Kallis has achieved a lot more than AB de Villiers will ever do but he did not lack respect for the game of cricket. Former South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince came in support of Gibbs with his comments. Prince mentioned that it is an unbelievable comment from the skipper and the day is not far away when Hashim Amla will be rewarded with a similar kind of privilege like that of AB de Villiers. Prince also mentioned that it’s astonishing to see how players have become more important than the country.

Interesting article this..captain putting a player on a pedestal! Never thought I'd see this..anyway pic.twitter.com/F6u17j0sVD

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) August 11, 2017

Kallis achieved more than ab ever will but he kept on playing and never disrespected the team and the game.remember that

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) August 11, 2017

Has nothing to with administrators..that's the national captain speaking! Did smith ever say kallis could do that? and he achieved more

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) August 11, 2017

Kallis achieved more than ab ever will,played longer than him to..he made his decision to retire on his own not keep anybody hanging.

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) August 11, 2017

Ridiculous statement @hershybru just wondering at which point then @amlahash will be allowed to do what he wants. Soon it's free for all.? https://t.co/UtzYmi2daz

— Ashwell Prince (@ashyp_5) August 11, 2017

He, Smith did recently say AB could do whatever he wants to. There must be a tipping point where players become bigger than the Nation.? https://t.co/NxULmKtEGy

— Ashwell Prince (@ashyp_5) August 11, 2017