Former Proteas superstar AB de Villiers announced his return to cricket with a bang for the Tshwane Spartans in a Mzansi Super League warmup match on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old smashed 93 off just 31 balls against Jozi Stars to send out a stern warning to the Cape Blitz ahead of Friday’s tournament opener at Newlands.
De Villiers, who retired from international cricket in May this year, proved that he is still one of the best limited-overs batsman in the game and that perhaps Cricket South Africa should seriously consider asking him to get out of retirement before next year’s World Cup.
Heading into the Newlands clash, the Spartans captain says he will be looking to lead from the front when they face coach Ashwell Prince and his Blitz.
De Villiers says: “I try to lead from the front and rely on the experience I’ve picked up over the years.
“I believe I’m a decent man manager when it comes to understanding players’ strengths and weaknesses.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s an exciting challenge and I’m ready for it.”
He adds: “Even though we’re missing out on a few players that aren’t available yet, we still have a fantastic balance in the side.
“There’s good skill right through, with batting depth all the way down to number nine, which isn’t normally the case with T20 cricket.
CLASS: Former Cobras allrounder Rory Kleinveldt. Photo: SHAUN ROY/BACKPAGEPIX
“I’m excited about our bowlers [which includes Cape Cobras ace Rory Kleinveldt] as well.
“There’s lots of experience with a number of guys who have done this day in and day out and a couple of wrist spinners, with the option to go right or left-arm orthodox, so there are lots of variations.”
Having previously worked alongside De Villers as both a player and coach, boss Mark Boucher believes AB's vast experience is well-suited for a tournament of this magnitude.
Boucher says: “He [De Villiers] is comfortable in his own space and in tournaments like these.
“In the IPL he’s played in big pressure matches so he’s the perfect man for the job.
“He leads from the front and plays with great intensity.
“For T20 cricket that’s what the game is all about. AB and Virat Kohli are in the same sort of mould, and how Virat rallies his team is how I think AB will rally the Spartans.
“I know the other guys will want to play for him and at his intensity, and that will get the best out of their own game.”