AB de Villiers reveals he was nervous before smashing the fastest ODI hundred ever
With the launch of his autobiography, AB de Villiers has whetted the appetite of his fans who are longing to know more about his life. In the book, he has revealed what exactly went through his mind when he hammered the West Indian bowlers all around the park on his way to the fastest hundred in the history of international cricket.
The South African starts off his autobiography with an account of his record-breaking ton at Johannesburg last year. When the opening combination of Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw were carting the bowlers, de Villiers approached coach Russell Domingo, suggesting David Miller to be sent next.
Domingo however, shot down de Villiers’ suggestions, and firmly asked him to be ready to go next. With two overs left for Sulieman Benn to bowl, de Villiers was confident that the left handed Miller would be a better bet in the final overs.
Yet, Domingo was unflinching from his stand, stating ‘You’re the best man for this situation’.
He also admits that he was nervous before going out to bat, as he always used to be before every match, and even tripped and stumbled on the stairs while walking out, much to the amusement of teammates, Faf du Plessis and Dale Steyn. What followed, however, made everyone sit up and notice in amazement.
De Villiers broke the record for the fastest fifty in ODIs, and continued in the same vein to complete a 31-ball hundred, studded with the most astonishing of strokes, including his trademark lap-shot over fine leg. He admits that he was feeling in the zone, and that “everything felt right”.
His autobiography came out on 8th September, and was received with much fanfare. It received a huge pre-launch response, especially in India, where the 32-year old is very popular, especially due to his exploits for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
Also read: AB de Villiers to share his life in ‘AB: The Autobiography’