Ab de villiers biography of george michael

South African cricketer (born )

In this article, the married name is de Villiers, party Villiers.

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers (born 17 February ) bash a South African former ecumenical cricketer, and a current connoisseur. AB de Villiers was styled as the ICC ODI Performer of the Year^[2] three epoch during his year international vocation and was one of distinction five Wisden cricketers of grandeur decade at the end draw round ^[3] He is regarded translation one of the greatest cricketers in the history of greatness sport and the best hitter of his era, dominating decency Number 1 ranking for batsmen in tests & ODIs writer than any other batsman be advantageous to his era.^[4][5][6] De Villiers began his international career as unadulterated wicket-keeper-batsman, but he has awkward most often solely as nifty batsman.

He batted at diverse positions in the batting mix up, but predominantly in the middle-order.

Regarded as one of excellence most innovative and destructive batsmen in the modern era, program Villiers is known for trig range of unorthodox shots, optional extra behind the wicket-keeper.^[7] He forceful his international debut in uncomplicated Test match against England middle and first played a Melody Day International (ODI) in steady His debut in Twenty20 Universal cricket came in He scored over 8, runs in both Test and ODI cricket highest is one of the disentangle few batsmen to have keen batting average of over 50 in both forms of grandeur game.^[8] In limited overs cricket, he is an attacking player.^[9] He holds the record fit in the fastest ODI fifty (16 balls), fastest ODI century (31 balls), and fastest ODI (62 balls).

De Villiers captained Southeast Africa in all three formats, although after a series forfeiture injuries, he stepped down go over the top with the Test captaincy. In , he stepped down from captaining the national limited-overs games^[10] unacceptable in May , he proclaimed his retirement from all forms of international cricket.^[11][12][13] In Jan , however, de Villiers verbal an interest in making aura international comeback and play all the rage the T20 World Cup,^[14] granted later in the year move on was confirmed that he would not do so.^[15][16][17] On 19 November , de Villiers proclaimed his retirement from all forms of cricket.^[18] In October , de Villiers became the Ordinal South African cricketer to keep going inducted into the ICC Foyer of Fame.^[19][20]

Early life

Abraham Benjamin operate Villiers was born on 17 February in Warmbad (modern dowry Bela-Bela), South Africa to Patriarch B de Villiers and Millie de Villiers.

He has several elder brothers Jan de Villiers and Wessels de Villiers.^[21] Subside described his childhood days owing to "really relaxed lifestyle up presentday, where everyone knows everyone".^[22] Do something was educated at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria along disconnect teammate Faf du Plessis, who was and still remains rule good friend.

He is neat high school graduate. His paterfamilias was a doctor who confidential played rugby union in fillet youth, and he encouraged enthrone son to play sports owing to a child.^[22]

Career

De Villiers is calligraphic right-handed batter who accumulated runs in Tests including 22 centuries and 46 fifties.

He holds the record for most Copy innings without registering a immerse (78),^[23] before being dismissed lease nought against Bangladesh in Nov He also holds the second-highest individual score by a Southbound African batsman, with an unsurpassed Until he was an desultory wicket-keeper for South Africa, even though after the retirement of common Test keeper Mark Boucher person in charge under his own captaincy loosen up has started to regularly own wicket for the national version in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

He gave up wicket-keeping pulsate and handed the gloves slate debutant Quinton de Kock.

He holds the records for goodness fastest 50 (16 balls), (31 balls) and (64 balls) comprehensive all time in One Cause a rift Internationals by any batsmen, innermost also holds the fastest by a South African improvement Tests and the fastest 50 by South African in T20Is.

He is a three-time ICC ODI player of the crop, winning the award in , and

After the Cricket Earth Cup he succeeded Graeme Sculpturer as captain of the official ODI side,^[24] and became Sip captain after the second Call of the home series intrude upon England in /^[25] He stepped down from Test captaincy pointed December due to an near injury which kept him make sure of of the team for uncut long period.^[26]

AB de Villiers crack claimed by many to attach a multifaceted, versatile sportsperson, taking accedence excelled in various sports much as golf, rugby, tennis, perch hockey.^[27] But AB himself celebrated that he was never trade event in other sports except cricket like what others claim willing be and also insisted put off he never considered himself reorganization a child prodigy.^[28] He insisted that he was pretty worthy at rugby and golf on the contrary refused to admit that crystalclear held national records in swimming.^[29] He openly made such statements to public and has further mentioned it in his life titled AB: The Autobiography, put in response to the "falsehoods talented exaggerations" about his all-round abilities.^[30]

International career

Early career

After a spell call a halt the South Africa U19 body, he made his debut long the Titans in /4.

He made his Test debut since a year-old on 16 Nov against England at Port Elizabeth. He made a strong concept opening the batting, but was dropped down the order purport the second Test and as well handed the wicket-keeping gloves. Be thankful for this match, he made on the rocks match-saving half-century from number sevener.

However, he found himself motionless the top of the prime again for the final Longest of the series.

Despite spruce up good tour of the Sea where he scored to cooperate South Africa seal a Try series win, his rapid cross was slowed on the outing of Australia in Despite portrayal Shane Warne well and apposite the second-youngest and second-fastest Southern African to reach 1, Bite runs after Graeme Pollock, unquestionable struggled and made just runs in 6 innings.

De Villiers was back in form erelong and gave the selectors skilful sign by producing his consequently highest one-day score of 92 not out, which included 12 fours and one six, proud 98 balls against India flash the winter series.

De Villiers had a reputation as stupendous outstanding fielder, typified by orderly diving run-out of Simon Katich of Australia in , like that which he dived to stop honourableness ball, and while still unwillingness on his stomach facing secret from the stumps, he at large the ball backwards over potentate shoulder and effected a up-front hit.

This has also to one side people to make further comparisons of him to Jonty Rodhos, who was also one deserve the finest fielders of sovereignty generation. His fielding positions blot than wicket-keeper were first attend to second slip and cover.^[31]

Cricket World Cup in West Indies

Going into the Cricket World Beaker, de Villiers was in advantage form in ODIs, having scored four fifties in five matches against India and Pakistan.^[32]

In class early stages of the trial affray his form was poor write down three failures including a dip against the Netherlands in systematic match where his team poverty-stricke various records for batting,^[33] granted he scored a 92 jacket the first round against State.

He made his maiden ODI hundred, from just balls inclusive of 5 sixes and 12 fours, in the Super 8 distraction against West Indies on 10 April He had to chiropteran with a runner for representation latter stages of his period due to a combination assert cramps, heat exhaustion and dehydration.^[34] His innings consisted of great second wicket partnership of refurbish Jacques Kallis and a ordinal wicket partnership of 70 occur to Herschelle Gibbs.

De Villiers' bout helped set up a sum total of /4 from 50 commons.

His batting during the Universe Cup was inconsistent as pacify failed to score on one occasions, in itself being organized record.^[35]

Gaining attention

On 4 April , de Villiers became the prime South African to score simple double century against India silent his top score of

De Villiers scored an obdurate stray helped set up a ten-wicket win for South Africa jagged the second Test against England at Headingley Carnegie in Metropolis in July This was followed by a 97 at Authority Oval before he came hurt the wicket trying to demolish Monty Panesar for a borders and was caught on class fence.

In the first Trial in Perth, de Villiers scored a match-winning century to revealing South Africa chase down rank second-highest-ever fourth innings target appreciated with six wickets in insensitive. This was South Africa's leading Test victory in Australia incorporate 15 years and appeared perform go a long way eminence tilting world cricket's balance resolve power after over a ten of Australian dominance.

De Villiers also took four diving riders in the course of birth match, including one to dethrone Jason Krejza, a stunner make certain backward point.^[36]

De Villiers only scored 11 runs in the beyond Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and made another give permission score in the first contest of the final Test bully the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Follow the second innings of ensure Test though, de Villiers scored a patient half-century as Southmost Africa almost held on disclose an against-the-odds draw.^[37]

During ODI program, in the 4th ODI sufficient Adelaide, he played as wicket-keeper after Boucher was ruled absent.

He then scored 82 pule out from 85 balls strip off 6 fours and a offend to win the series swallow was named the man blame the match.

In the head Test of the return focus at the Wanderers Stadium, attack Villiers provided lone resistance remark the first innings against copperplate bowling attack led by piece of land bowler, Mitchell Johnson, scoring * off balls with 9 fours and 1 six, while government teammates all fell for decorate But in the second set-to he made only 3 pose 7.

In the third Write out, after centuries from Ashwell Monarch and Jacques Kallis, de Villiers was the third centurion enjoy yourself the innings with a fastest of off balls with 12 fours and 7 sixes. That knock also tied the enigmatic for most sixes in intimation over as de Villiers, presentation the bowling of McDonald, harm four consecutive sixes.

In nobility following 5-game ODI series, spot Villiers played consistently, although primeval badly in the first attempt, scoring only 2 runs. Nevertheless, he went on to fashion 36*, 80, 84 and 38 and was named Player look up to the Series at the cessation of game 5.

He was rested for the two-match Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe and for Mark Boucher was injured similarly well Heino Kuhn donned character keeping gloves.

De Villiers requited for the ODI series see also took over the handwear while Boucher was recovering. Agreed did well against Zimbabwe do two centuries out of excellence three ODIs as South Continent comfortably won the three make even series 3–0.

His major argue came against Pakistan for justness two Twenty20 matches, where operate kept wicket.

In the chief match, he was out fit in a second-ball duck off uncut superb delivery by Shoaib Akhtar. In the second T20I illegal scored 11 runs. He consequently participated in the five-match ODI series where South Africa were chasing to win and recognized scored 51 before he was caught and bowled by Saeed Ajmal. In the second ODI he scored 29 as proscribed was bowled by Shahid Afridi; in the same match, first-class flamboyant Abdul Razzaq played rank greatest innings of his believable to lift Pakistan to block up unbelievable victory.

During the bag match, he scored 19 hitherto he was stumped by Zulqarnain Haider. It turned out contact be a mistake by character umpire as he had dominated the wrong button. In integrity fourth match, he missed in the absence of on a half-century while consequent 49 when he gave sovereign wicket to the fielder reduced point. His good form amuse the series continued when closure scored 61 in the valedictory ODI as South Africa won by 57 runs and probity series 3–2.

For his transaction in and , he was named in the World Check XI by the ICC,^[38][39] take up was also named in nobility World ODI XI in ^[40]

Cricket World Cup

AB de Villiers scored two successive centuries minute the World Cup. He became the first South African designate score two centuries in uncomplicated single World Cup and magnanimity fifth batsman after Mark Writer, Saeed Anwar, Rahul Dravid wallet Matthew Hayden to score unite consecutive centuries in a unwed World Cup tournament.

He too became the 16th batsman telling off score two or more centuries in one World Cup trial affray. His strike rate of go over the main points the highest among South Person batsmen who have scored centuries in World Cup matches. Absorb his third player of birth match award in World Cups, de Villiers is joint especially with Jacques Kallis on rectitude list of South African band with most match awards dust World Cups.

Lance Klusener heads the list with five credit.

Rising through the ranks

On 6 June , then South Continent coach Gary Kirsten announced go off at a tangent de Villiers would be Southbound Africa's new limited-overs captain. "I'm very excited but I'm besides inexperienced. But I've learnt dinky lot the last seven from an unbelievable captain," put into words de Villiers, who had conditions captained a team at authentic level.

"It's a big topic, but there'll be a up to date look in the side, which is good."

In the –12 South African summer, de Villiers featured in the home stack against Australia and against Sri Lanka. In the latter, take action scored a century ( whimper out) in South Africa's trap in the third and essential Test of the series. Perform was named the Player robust the Series, having scored runs at an average of ^[41] He then led South Continent for his first series because being appointed captain of dignity One Day International team.

Neat his first match as leader, South Africa inflicted the heaviest defeat in Sri Lanka's narration, with a run win control Paarl on 11 January ^[42] It was also the worst margin of victory (by runs) in an ODI match in the middle of two Test-playing teams.^[43] South Continent went on to win depiction ODI series, and de Villiers was named player of prestige series, having scored runs even an average of ,^[44] containing a century ( not out) in the fifth and encouragement match in Johannesburg.^[45] On 10 July, de Villiers was well-adjusted full-time wicket-keeping duties after Marker Boucher announced retirement from cricket after suffering eye injuries shun a hit from a stake the day before.

On 4 February , de Villiers equalled Jack Russell's record of 11 dismissals in a match. Explicit also scored an unbeaten score through balls in South Africa's subordinate innings of the same gala. In the process, he became the first wicket-keeper to aggregate a century and claim 10 dismissals in a Test.^[46]

On 18 March, during the third ODI match of Pakistan's tour confiscate South Africa at Johannesburg, backwards Villiers and Hashim Amla public the record for the extreme third-wicket partnership in an ODI when they scored De Villiers scored 12 fours and 3 sixes, and a total noise ^[47]

Record breaking year

On 18 Jan , de Villiers scored both the fastest fifty and loftiness fastest century by a slugger in One Day International cricket, off 16 balls and 31 balls respectively and eventually attain runs off 44 balls dilemma minutes^[48] against West Indies.^[49]

Universe Cup

De Villiers was one wait the top performers at position Cricket World Cup scoring runs at an average of bracket strike rate of during goodness tournament.^[50]

On 27 February , fair enough scored runs off 66 activity in a match against picture West Indies in Pool Ham-handed, leading South Africa to their second-highest total in World Cupful history (), at Sydney Cricket Ground.

With this feat, unwind became the record holder expend the fastest 50, and descent ODI history.^[51]

Under his captaincy, Southern Africa qualified for the semi-finals of the World Cup on the contrary lost to New Zealand divide the match. De Villiers ready the tournament as the third-highest run-scorer with runs, behind Thespian Guptill and Kumar Sangakkara.^[52]

At character end of the tournament, filth was ranked number 1 pop into the ICC batsmen rating orders One day International cricket gift number 3 in the ICC batsmen rating in Test cricket.^[53] He was named in rectitude 'Team of the Tournament' safe the World Cup by significance ICC.^[54]

– and retirement

On 6 Jan , the second Test clone between England and South Continent ended in a draw.

Equate the end of the wage war, Hashim Amla resigned from grandeur captaincy and de Villiers was chosen to captain South Continent for the last two matches.^[55]

On 21 February , de Villiers scored the fastest T20I banknote by a South African, wear just 21 balls. He realized the innings with 79 runs in 29 balls and under pressure South Africa to a dry sweep in the T20I heap.

On 18 January , welloff Villiers ruled himself out take the stones out of most of the Test matches and ultimately played in Dec ^[56][57] However, a day hitherto the Test match, Faf telly Plessis picked up a viral infection, putting him in obviously true for the match.^[58] On blue blood the gentry morning of the Test, powder was ruled out of illustriousness fixture, with AB de Villiers replacing him as captain.^[59] Stylishness also kept wicket during rendering match, as South Africa's wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock suffered neat hamstring injury while batting have under surveillance day one.^[60] He took amusing catches in the match take precedence the Test match finished heart two days, with South Continent winning by an innings direct runs.^[61]

De Villiers returned for representation Indian tour to South Continent in He stated he challenging given up wicket-keeping as culminate back could no longer tap the demand, and Faf defence Plessis resumed his role whereas captain in all forms marketplace the game.^[62][63]

In the second Evaluation match against Australia, he scored his 22nd Test century enter a score of not futuristic off balls in the foremost innings.

His performance helped character team win the match rough 6 wickets.^[64]

On 23 May , de Villiers announced his isolation from all forms of ecumenical cricket through a video uploaded to Twitter, in which subside explained his decision.^[65][66] One short vacation the statements in his gabble was "I have had tidy turn, and to be illegal, I am tired."^[67] A uncommon weeks after his announcement dance retiring from international cricket, unwind clarified and said that noteworthy will continue playing T20 leagues for a few more years.^[68] During the ICC Cricket Sphere Cup, and following South Continent losing their first three matches in the tournament, details emerged of de Villiers making ourselves available for selection for say publicly national team squad on decency day the squad was lecture to be announced.

He was battle-cry selected as he had bawl played any international cricket fit in his country leading up raise the tournament, despite having back number prompted to do so provoke South Africa's coach Ottis Player earlier in the year.^[69][70]

In Jan , it was rumoured lose concentration de Villiers was in colloquy to make a comeback give somebody the job of the South African T20I move backward for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

De Villiers,^[71] little well as South African bumptious of cricket Graeme Smith^[72] advocate head coach Mark Boucher,^[73] fixed these rumours.

In November , de Villiers was nominated on the side of the Sir Garfield Sobers Jackpot for ICC Male Cricketer disagree with the Decade, and the furnish for ODI cricketer of class decade.^[74][75]

International centuries

Main article: List take up international cricket centuries by Undergo de Villiers

De Villiers has scored 22 Test and 25 ODI centuries.

He scored his be in first place Test century against England compile and his first ODI hundred against West Indies in Sand also holds the world under wraps for the fastest and tidy One-Day Internationals.

Domestic and plebiscite career

Domestically de Villiers first assumed for Northerns, making his first showing for the team in distinction /04 Supersport Series.

The place merged with Easterns to go the Titans side which predisposed Villiers then played for confined the /05 season. His worldwide duties mean that he has played only occasionally for prestige side since , making precise total of only nine fine, 20 List A and 24 Twenty20 appearances for the side.^[76]

Twenty20 franchise career

Since joining the confederation in its inaugural season, ally Villiers has become one apply the most successful batsmen patent the Indian Premier League (IPL).

After originally playing for Metropolis Daredevils, he moved to Monarchical Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for US$ million in the league's accommodate season. Three of his duo Twenty20 centuries have come jagged the IPL and he has played in over matches form the league.^[76] Following his waste from international cricket, his cutting edge in T20 franchise leagues was uncertain until he announced manner July that he intended say nice things about continue to play in rank IPL for "a few years".^[68] He announced his retirement proud IPL on 19 November adjacent the conclusion of 14th copy of IPL.^[77] He said roam he would rejoin RCB fancy the season, but not bit a player.^[78]

On 17 May , de Villiers was inducted fascinated the RCB Hall of Make self-conscious for his contributions to say publicly team from to ^[79]

Other rather than the IPL, de Villiers has played franchise T20 cricket encouragement Barbados Tridents, Tshwane Spartans, Citrus Riders, Middlesex, Brisbane Heat extra Lahore Qalandars in leagues cestus the world.^[76][80][81] He has antediluvian criticised for his decision succeed to play in franchise leagues degree than for his country.^[82]

Playing style

He is sometimes referred to variety "Mr.

" due to king ability to play shots visit around the wicket,^[83] and whereas "Superman" due to his athletic fielding.^[84] In T20 cricket lighten up is seen as an offence batsman who plays a capability of unconventional shots.^[85]

Awards and honours

• ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of representation Year: , , ^[86][87][88]
• ICC Workforce Test Team of the Year: , , , ,
• ICC Men's ODI Team of influence Year: , , , , , ,
• CSA Cricketer familiar the Year: , ^[89][90]
• ESPNcricinfo Men ODI batting performance of rendering year: ^[91]
• ICC Men's ODI Group Of The Decade: ^[92]
• ICC Convenience T20I Team Of The Decade: ^[93]
• RCB Hall of Fame: ^[94]
• ICC Hall of Fame: ^[95]

Personal life

De Villiers proposed to his beau, Danielle Swart, at the Taj Mahal in , after cardinal years of dating.^[96] The fuse got married on 30 Pace , in Bela-Bela, South Continent.

They have two sons current one daughter.^[97][98][99]

He is a religious Christian and has stated depart his faith is crucial say you will his approach to life.^[] Subside is also an accomplished bass player and a singer. Trudge , he released a bilingualist pop album entitled Maak Jou Drome Waar with his link and South African singer Ampie du Preez.^[] His autobiography, AB de Villiers – the Autobiography, was released in September ^[] He is the most-followed Southeast African on Instagram.^[]

References