AB de Villiers batted aggressively against India in the first two Test matches, making vital contributions to set up South Africa's wins, but it was not as though he was trying to make a point
AB de Villiers bats during Day Four of first Test against India at Cape Town. Pic/Getty Images
AB de Villiers batted aggressively against India in the first two Test matches, making vital contributions to set up South Africa's wins, but it was not as though he was trying to make a point. "Not at all," De Villiers said when asked about his aggression. "I watch the ball and I just play. I have always said that I don't feel there's a big difference between the three formats. It is just a mindset, applying yourself to the wicket and conditions, and that's always been the way that I have played. So, no definitely it's not something that I force."
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Injuries have forced De Villiers to sit out almost a year in Test cricket, and there were question marks over his future, making this return all the more memorable. "Test cricket is the ultimate challenge," De Villiers said. "It was very enjoyable to be a part of a really important and good series win. It was a great team effort from everyone, from the fielding to the bowlers with big pressure moments with the bat in hand... just an all-round really good team performance. I am obviously enjoying my cricket and loving it out there with the boys. And it has been a great couple of Test matches."
While De Villiers has made bigger scores and thrashed attacks harder, there was an element of satisfaction in scoring these runs. "I feel like I am in the best form of my life right now," De Villiers said. "I am never guaranteed results, never guaranteed five hundreds in a row, I could get five ducks in a row, but I am happy where I am at. I am playing well and I am doing my preparation well, and I am meeting the ball well. It's just up to the day to take care of itself. I feel at the best phase of my life right now."
It was not just mentally that AB felt he was at the top of his game. "It feels like my debut back in 2004 when I started as an opening batsman then a 'keeper at No.7 and back to opening, and up and down," De Villiers said of his body. "It's funny with my comeback now similar to back in the day. But it has been very enjoyable. I just feel like getting out there and playing, and that's what a good break does to you."
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