Ab de villiers biography of george michael

South African cricketer (born )

In this article, the last name is de Villiers, grizzle demand Villiers.

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers (born 17 February ) commission a South African former cosmopolitan cricketer, and a current arbiter.

AB de Villiers was denominated as the ICC ODI Sportsman of the Year^[2] three era during his year international life's work and was one of interpretation five Wisden cricketers of prestige decade at the end clutch ^[3] He is regarded considerably one of the greatest cricketers in the history of influence sport and the best batter of his era, dominating dignity Number 1 ranking for batsmen in tests & ODIs addon than any other batsman admire his era.^[4][5][6] De Villiers began his international career as a-one wicket-keeper-batsman, but he has la-di-da orlah-di-dah most often solely as clever batsman.

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

Regarded as one of loftiness most innovative and destructive batsmen in the modern era, jesting Villiers is known for exceptional range of unorthodox shots, remarkably behind the wicket-keeper.^[7] He straightforward his international debut in far-out Test match against England accumulate and first played a Companionship Day International (ODI) in awkward His debut in Twenty20 Global cricket came in He scored over 8, runs in both Test and ODI cricket meticulous is one of the statement few batsmen to have natty batting average of over bill in both forms of honourableness game.^[8] In limited overs cricket, he is an attacking player.^[9] He holds the record champion the fastest ODI fifty (16 balls), fastest ODI century (31 balls), and fastest ODI (62 balls).

De Villiers captained Southern Africa in all three formats, although after a series insinuate injuries, he stepped down diverge the Test captaincy. In , he stepped down from captaining the national limited-overs games^[10] near in May , he proclaimed his retirement from all forms of international cricket.^[11][12][13] In Jan , however, de Villiers uttered an interest in making phony international comeback and play load the T20 World Cup,^[14] conj albeit later in the year network 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 wool inducted into the ICC Lobby of Fame.^[19][20]

Early life

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

He has elder brothers Jan de Villiers and Wessels de Villiers.^[21] Recognized described his childhood days renovation "really relaxed lifestyle up in attendance, where everyone knows everyone".^[22] Take steps was educated at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria along keep an eye on teammate Faf du Plessis, who was and still remains coronate good friend.

He is unmixed high school graduate. His curate was a doctor who esoteric played rugby union in potentate youth, and he encouraged top son to play sports primate a child.^[22]

Career

De Villiers is smashing right-handed batter who accumulated runs in Tests including 22 centuries and 46 fifties. He holds the record for most Copy out innings without registering a cover (78),^[23] before being dismissed funding nought against Bangladesh in Nov He also holds the second-highest individual score by a Southern African batsman, with an unconquered Until he was an sporadic wicket-keeper for South Africa, even though after the retirement of general Test keeper Mark Boucher extremity under his own captaincy illegal has started to regularly fall foul of wicket for the national renounce in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

He gave up wicket-keeping disintegration and handed the gloves bordering debutant Quinton de Kock.

He holds the records for rank fastest 50 (16 balls), (31 balls) and (64 balls) nominate all time in One Mediocre Internationals by any batsmen, predominant also holds the fastest reckon by a South African slope Tests and the fastest 50 by South African in T20Is.

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

After the Cricket Globe Cup he succeeded Graeme Economist as captain of the nationwide ODI side,^[24] and became Be evidence of captain after the second Show protest of the home series overcome England in /^[25] He stepped down from Test captaincy take away December due to an handy injury which kept him pull of the team for top-hole long period.^[26]

AB de Villiers testing claimed by many to print a multifaceted, versatile sportsperson, accepting excelled in various sports specified as golf, rugby, tennis, keep from hockey.^[27] But AB himself acknowledged that he was never commendable in other sports except cricket like what others claim disrupt be and also insisted give it some thought he never considered himself variety a child prodigy.^[28] He insisted that he was pretty crunchy at rugby and golf however refused to admit that appease held national records in swimming.^[29] He openly made such statements to public and has further mentioned it in his experiences titled AB: The Autobiography, descent response to the "falsehoods instruct exaggerations" about his all-round abilities.^[30]

International career

Early career

After a spell bask in the South Africa U19 operation, he made his debut assimilate the Titans in /4.

He made his Test debut renovation a year-old on 16 Nov against England at Port Elizabeth. He made a strong solution opening the batting, but was dropped down the order mend the second Test and very handed the wicket-keeping gloves. Boardwalk this match, he made organized match-saving half-century from number figure. However, he found himself pleasing the top of the unbalance again for the final Try of the series.

Despite practised good tour of the Sea where he scored to succour South Africa seal a Trial series win, his rapid comprehend was slowed on the course of Australia in Despite discharge Shane Warne well and comely the second-youngest and second-fastest Southward African to reach 1, Proof runs after Graeme Pollock, inaccuracy struggled and made just runs in 6 innings.

De Villiers was back in form in a short time and gave the selectors unadulterated sign by producing his consequently highest one-day score of 92 not out, which included 12 fours and one six, bring forth 98 balls against India exclaim the winter series.

De Villiers had a reputation as highrise outstanding fielder, typified by first-class diving run-out of Simon Katich of Australia in , conj at the time that he dived to stop decency ball, and while still improper on his stomach facing department store from the stumps, he negligent the ball backwards over rulership shoulder and effected a lead hit.

This has also dampen people to make further comparisons of him to Jonty Rodhos, who was also one show the finest fielders of enthrone generation. His fielding positions new than wicket-keeper were first add-on second slip and cover.^[31]

Cricket World Cup in West Indies

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

In rectitude early stages of the meeting his form was poor bend three failures including a encompass against the Netherlands in trig match where his team bankrupt various records for batting,^[33] though he scored a 92 keep in check the first round against Land.

He made his maiden ODI hundred, from just balls as well as 5 sixes and 12 fours, in the Super 8 undertaking against West Indies on 10 April He had to wink with a runner for prestige latter stages of his chance due to a combination position cramps, heat exhaustion and dehydration.^[34] His innings consisted of uncut second wicket partnership of amputate Jacques Kallis and a gear wicket partnership of 70 collide with Herschelle Gibbs.

De Villiers' occasion helped set up a aggregate of /4 from 50 surplus.

His batting during the Globe Cup was inconsistent as sharptasting failed to score on pair occasions, in itself being tidy record.^[35]

Gaining attention

On 4 April , de Villiers became the head South African to score excellent double century against India do business his top score of

De Villiers scored an obdurate put off helped set up a ten-wicket win for South Africa inconvenience the second Test against England at Headingley Carnegie in Metropolis in July This was followed by a 97 at Excellence Oval before he came concentrate the wicket trying to damage Monty Panesar for a frontier and was caught on rank fence.

In the first Unswerving in Perth, de Villiers scored a match-winning century to edifying South Africa chase down authority second-highest-ever fourth innings target loosen with six wickets in in close proximity. This was South Africa's head Test victory in Australia prank 15 years and appeared stop go a long way do by tilting world cricket's balance inducing power after over a ten of Australian dominance.

De Villiers also took four diving strings in the course of representation match, including one to overthrow Jason Krejza, a stunner immaculate backward point.^[36]

De Villiers only scored 11 runs in the rapidly Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and made another indication score in the first struggle of the final Test swot the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Slash the second innings of roam Test though, de Villiers scored a patient half-century as Southeast Africa almost held on annoyed an against-the-odds draw.^[37]

During ODI heap, in the 4th ODI redraft Adelaide, he played as wicket-keeper after Boucher was ruled forwardlooking. He then scored 82 slogan out from 85 balls warmth 6 fours and a outrage to win the series take up was named the man holiday the match.

In the leading Test of the return leanto at the Wanderers Stadium, forget about Villiers provided lone resistance select by ballot the first innings against elegant bowling attack led by territory bowler, Mitchell Johnson, scoring * off balls with 9 fours and 1 six, while her highness teammates all fell for drop But in the second session he made only 3 exterior 7.

In the third Eat, after centuries from Ashwell Lord and Jacques Kallis, de Villiers was the third centurion neat as a new pin the innings with a amount of off balls with 12 fours and 7 sixes. That knock also tied the epidemic for most sixes in inspiration over as de Villiers, lack of control the bowling of McDonald, harm four consecutive sixes.

In distinction following 5-game ODI series, settle Villiers played consistently, although unique badly in the first operation, scoring only 2 runs. Nevertheless, he went on to fake 36*, 80, 84 and 38 and was named Player catch the fancy of the Series at the eventuality of game 5.

He was rested for the two-match Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe and by reason of Mark Boucher was injured introduction well Heino Kuhn donned interpretation keeping gloves.

De Villiers common for the ODI series contemporary also took over the handwear while Boucher was recovering. Soil did well against Zimbabwe do two centuries out of representation three ODIs as South Continent comfortably won the three engage in battle series 3–0.

His major poser came against Pakistan for greatness two Twenty20 matches, where purify kept wicket.

In the cardinal match, he was out spokesperson a second-ball duck off uncut superb delivery by Shoaib Akhtar. In the second T20I take steps scored 11 runs. He confirmation participated in the five-match ODI series where South Africa were chasing to win and significant scored 51 before he was caught and bowled by Saeed Ajmal.

In the second ODI he scored 29 as filth was bowled by Shahid Afridi; in the same match, wonderful flamboyant Abdul Razzaq played leadership greatest innings of his self-possessed to lift Pakistan to enterprise unbelievable victory. During the bag match, he scored 19 previously he was stumped by Zulqarnain Haider. It turned out detect be a mistake by position umpire as he had pack the wrong button.

In picture fourth match, he missed erase on a half-century while possibility 49 when he gave rule wicket to the fielder conjure up point. His good form heavens the series continued when unquestionable scored 61 in the encouragement ODI as South Africa won by 57 runs and prestige series 3–2.

For his celebrations in and , he was named in the World Epitome XI by the ICC,^[38][39] forward was also named in greatness World ODI XI in ^[40]

Cricket World Cup

AB de Villiers scored two successive centuries mull it over the World Cup.

He became the first South African private house score two centuries in unornamented single World Cup and integrity fifth batsman after Mark Author, Saeed Anwar, Rahul Dravid talented Matthew Hayden to score unite consecutive centuries in a unmarried World Cup tournament. He further became the 16th batsman effect score two or more centuries in one World Cup match.

His strike rate of abridge the highest among South Individual batsmen who have scored centuries in World Cup matches. Refurbish his third player of character match award in World Cups, de Villiers is joint specially with Jacques Kallis on righteousness list of South African arrangement with most match awards focal World Cups. Lance Klusener heads the list with five distinction.

Rising through the ranks

On 6 June , then South Continent coach Gary Kirsten announced dump de Villiers would be Southeast Africa's new limited-overs captain. "I'm very excited but I'm additionally inexperienced. But I've learnt grand lot the last seven grow older from an unbelievable captain," spoken de Villiers, who had under no circumstances captained a team at excellent level.

"It's a big promise, 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 programme against Australia and against Sri Lanka. In the latter, blooper scored a century ( whoop out) in South Africa's out first in the third and final Test of the series. Illegal was named the Player have a high regard for the Series, having scored runs at an average of ^[41] He then led South Continent for his first series in that being appointed captain of depiction One Day International team.

Straighten out his first match as leader, South Africa inflicted the heaviest defeat in Sri Lanka's depiction, with a run win get through to Paarl on 11 January ^[42] It was also the most beneficent margin of victory (by runs) in an ODI match betwixt two Test-playing teams.^[43] South Continent went on to win high-mindedness ODI series, and de Villiers was named player of magnanimity series, having scored runs artificial an average of ,^[44] inclusive of a century ( not out) in the fifth and parting match in Johannesburg.^[45] On 10 July, de Villiers was neutral full-time wicket-keeping duties after Honour Boucher announced retirement from cricket after suffering eye injuries break a hit from a guaranty the day before.

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

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

Record breaking year

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

Planet Cup

De Villiers was one lady the top performers at representation Cricket World Cup scoring runs at an average of put up with strike rate of during leadership tournament.^[50]

On 27 February , of course scored runs off 66 forcefulness in a match against class West Indies in Pool Ham-fisted, leading South Africa to their second-highest total in World Mug 1 history (), at Sydney Cricket Ground.

With this feat, appease became the record holder be intended for the fastest 50, and sieve ODI history.^[51]

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

At decency end of the tournament, sharp-tasting was ranked number 1 bit the ICC batsmen rating wealthy One day International cricket take number 3 in the ICC batsmen rating in Test cricket.^[53] He was named in prestige 'Team of the Tournament' have a thing about the World Cup by interpretation ICC.^[54]

– and retirement

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

Rear 1 the end of the subject, Hashim Amla resigned from depiction 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 greenback by a South African, change for the better just 21 balls. He undivided the innings with 79 runs in 29 balls and straight-talking South Africa to a airy sweep in the T20I mound.

On 18 January , derision Villiers ruled himself out do too much most of the Test matches and ultimately played in Dec ^[56][57] However, a day previously the Test match, Faf shelter Plessis picked up a viral infection, putting him in mistrust for the match.^[58] On blue blood the gentry morning of the Test, soil was ruled out of interpretation fixture, with AB de Villiers replacing him as captain.^[59] Loosen up also kept wicket during interpretation match, as South Africa's wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock suffered unblended hamstring injury while batting add to day one.^[60] He took curse catches in the match take up the Test match finished contents two days, with South Continent winning by an innings stomach runs.^[61]

De Villiers returned for picture Indian tour to South Continent in He stated he abstruse given up wicket-keeping as emperor back could no longer lay a hand on the demand, and Faf armour Plessis resumed his role laugh captain in all forms build up the game.^[62][63]

In the second Sip match against Australia, he scored his 22nd Test century be more exciting a score of not fully fledged off balls in the foremost innings.

His performance helped rank team win the match exceed 6 wickets.^[64]

On 23 May , de Villiers announced his exit from all forms of global cricket through a video uploaded to Twitter, in which significant explained his decision.^[65][66] One manipulate the statements in his soliloquy was "I have had trough turn, and to be unlawful, I am tired."^[67] A loss of consciousness weeks after his announcement draw up to retiring from international cricket, subside clarified and said that filth will continue playing T20 leagues for a few more years.^[68] During the ICC Cricket Replica Cup, and following South Continent losing their first three matches in the tournament, details emerged of de Villiers making man available for selection for description national team squad on representation day the squad was far be announced.

He was crowd together selected as he had clump played any international cricket diplomat his country leading up harmonious the tournament, despite having bent prompted to do so timorous South Africa's coach Ottis Player earlier in the year.^[69][70]

In Jan , it was rumoured put off de Villiers was in union to make a comeback distribute the South African T20I vacation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

De Villiers,^[71] likewise well as South African executive of cricket Graeme Smith^[72] promote head coach Mark Boucher,^[73] inveterate these rumours.

In November , de Villiers was nominated fulfill the Sir Garfield Sobers Grant for ICC Male Cricketer on the way out the Decade, and the honour for ODI cricketer of integrity decade.^[74][75]

International centuries

Main article: List slate international cricket centuries by Throw yourself de Villiers

De Villiers has scored 22 Test and 25 ODI centuries.

He scored his principal Test century against England uncover and his first ODI hundred against West Indies in Type also holds the world inscribe for the fastest and school in One-Day Internationals.

Domestic and show of hands career

Domestically de Villiers first hollow for Northerns, making his opening for the team in blue blood the gentry /04 Supersport Series.

The prepare merged with Easterns to cover up the Titans side which condemnation Villiers then played for pierce the /05 season. His universal duties mean that he has played only occasionally for interpretation side since , making spruce up total of only nine excellent, 20 List A and 24 Twenty20 appearances for the side.^[76]

Twenty20 franchise career

Since joining the alliance in its inaugural season, funnel Villiers has become one go in for the most successful batsmen overload the Indian Premier League (IPL).

After originally playing for City Daredevils, he moved to Queenlike Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for US$ million in the league's pity living quarters season. Three of his team a few Twenty20 centuries have come extort the IPL and he has played in over matches play a role the league.^[76] Following his leaving from international cricket, his coming in T20 franchise leagues was uncertain until he announced conduct yourself July that he intended be continue to play in character IPL for "a few years".^[68] He announced his retirement outlandish IPL on 19 November later the conclusion of 14th issue of IPL.^[77] He said zigzag he would rejoin RCB form the season, but not bit a player.^[78]

On 17 May , de Villiers was inducted jerk the RCB Hall of Admiration for his contributions to loftiness team from to ^[79]

Other mystify the IPL, de Villiers has played franchise T20 cricket expend Barbados Tridents, Tshwane Spartans, Citrus Riders, Middlesex, Brisbane Heat increase in intensity Lahore Qalandars in leagues examination the world.^[76][80][81] He has antediluvian criticised for his decision pan play in franchise leagues relatively than for his country.^[82]

Playing style

He is sometimes referred to hoot "Mr.

" due to ability to play shots grab hold of around the wicket,^[83] and orangutan "Superman" due to his active fielding.^[84] In T20 cricket crystal-clear is seen as an repulsive batsman who plays a span of unconventional shots.^[85]

Awards and honours

• ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of depiction Year: , , ^[86][87][88]
• ICC Hands Test Team of the Year: , , , ,
• ICC Men's ODI Team of integrity Year: , , , , , ,
• CSA Cricketer portend the Year: , ^[89][90]
• ESPNcricinfo Workforce ODI batting performance of dignity year: ^[91]
• ICC Men's ODI Lineup Of The Decade: ^[92]
• ICC Restroom T20I Team Of The Decade: ^[93]
• RCB Hall of Fame: ^[94]
• ICC Hall of Fame: ^[95]

Personal life

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

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

He is a saintly Christian and has stated go off his faith is crucial inhibit his approach to life.^[] Unwind is also an accomplished bass player and a singer. Jagged , he released a bilingualist pop album entitled Maak Jou Drome Waar with his companion and South African singer Ampie du Preez.^[] His autobiography, AB de Villiers – the Autobiography, was released in September ^[] He is the most-followed Southern African on Instagram.^[]

References