5 great innings by AB de Villiers that prove he is an underrated Test batsman
He doesn't think very hard, he just does his job on autopilot. With ice water running through his veins, he shows no signs of nerves as he goes after the most potent bowling attacks in the world and shreds them to pieces.
AB de Villiers transforms into a Brobdingnagian whenever he has the willow in his hand. When the Proteas’ batting kingpin is on a song, no bowler stands a chance.
Although, there is no doubt that the 33-year-old cyborg is an accomplished limited-overs batsman, yet, many believe that De Villiers still needs to prove his mettle in the longest format of the game.
Test cricket puts patience to utmost test and forbearance is a virtue possessed by few.
De Villiers' endurance and strength of will have been put to test a lot of times, but, he never flinched, instead, he played some crucial Test innings in torrid batting conditions to prove his critics wrong.
Now, let us have a look at five spectacular innings that prove Abraham Benjamin de Villiers is an underrated batsman in the five-day format and he deserves a lot more respect than he usually gets as a Test batsman.
#5 106* vs Australia, Perth (2008)
In December 2008, Australia set a 414-run target for South Africa to win the first Test of the three-match series at the WACA.
Skipper Graeme Smith scored 108 before being dismissed to lay a solid foundation for a thrilling run chase as AB de Villiers walked out to bat at 179/3 after Hashim Amla's (53) fall.
De Villiers, who kept hanging in there, was involved in two 100-plus run partnerships, 124 runs with Jacques Kallis (57) and an unbeaten 111-run stand with debutant JP Duminy (50*) as the visitors completed the second-highest run chase in Test history to claim a stunning six-wicket victory over the hosts.
Riding on De Villiers' valiant 106*, the Proteas were able to complete the highest successful run chase on Australian soil.