Brilliant batsman relishing responsibility of getting Proteas’ hands on ultimate prize
Strong personalities at the helm have characterised South African cricket since their return to international cricket in the early 90s.
Think back to Kepler Wessels, perhaps the toughest leader of the lot.
Hansie Cronje was a decisive figure until his plummet from grace over match fixing; Graeme Smith led his country in 109 of his 117 tests, easily a world record for matches as test captain.
Now the leadership is split. Hashim Amla is three games into his time as test captain, replacing Smith, while AB de Villiers has skippered South Africa in 49 of his 168 ODIs. JP Duminy has been named T20 captain for a series against Australia shortly.
If de Villiers has appealed more as a senior pro rather than a leader in recent years, that may owe more to the fact Smith was such a dominant figure. Now, at 30, one of the games' most proficient, versatile batsmen gets his chance. His numbers suggest a player who thrives on extra responsibility.
Consider that over those 168 ODIs, de Villiers has averaged 50.22, with 18 centuries. In his 49 games in charge, de Villiers' average has soared to 62.69, with seven hundreds. In 27 games as captain, and wicketkeeper, move that number up to 66.61.
His last game with the gloves was in November, Quinton de Kock now having stepped in.
De Villiers - who also averages 51.02 over 95 tests - is reluctant to use the word "thrive" in relation to those numbers and how leadership has improved them.
"But it certainly motivates me to do really well and do something special for the team," he said.
"I've always been that kind of player where the team comes first. That's the way I lead and more than ever in Zimbabwe [last month], I felt the boys were right behind me, so that's a good sign heading to the World Cup."
Wessels, Cronje, twice, Shaun Pollock and Smith, twice. All outstanding cricketers but linked in one other respect - leaders who were unable to lift the cup, let alone make a final, despite a string of close calls.
De Villiers, whose team have won nine of 11 ODIs this year against Australia, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, spoke with feeling this week about what winning the cup would mean to him, and South Africa's cricket community. "It's really close to my heart. I'll do anything to win the World Cup," he said.
There's no mistaking South Africa's bid will be in the hands of a thoroughly determined cricketer.
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