Former South African captain AB de Villiers roared back to form with a stunning 176 in the second ODI at Paarl. Having battled injury and uncertainty over the last couple of years, it was a welcome return to runs for de Villiers.
Speaking about his break and subsequent return, de Villiers was quoted as saying in a ESPNcricinfo report, "I needed a couple of months away with the family and then Ottis made contact. I had met him before he was announced coach and I knew he was a great guy. He wanted to know where I was headed with my career and I told him I wanted to get back in the side.”
On not wanting leadership back, he explained, "I had a long run as a captain. I had some fantastic ups, and also quite a few lows in between. I just felt like it was enough. I wanted to enjoy the last few years of my career. I know what Faf is capable of as captain, and I think he's going to become one of the best leaders we have had in this country.”
Asked about coach Ottis Gibson, de Villiers added, "He is quite a confident man and knows what he wants. You get the feeling we know where we are going as a team.”
--By A Cricket Correspondent