Cricket: Opposing captains share plenty in common

AB de Villiers. Photo / Getty Images

Both AB de Villiers and Brendon McCullum will bat in the top order, keep wicket and captain their countries in their upcoming Twenty20 series and it seems the pair share plenty of mutual respect too.

With Ross Taylor still out with a calf injury, McCullum will lead the Black Caps against South Africa in three Twenty20s during the next week and could continue in the role during the subsequent one-day series if Taylor doesn't return.

Tonight the teams collide in Wellington for the first 20-over outing and McCullum, who averages 35.63 in Twenty20 internationals, said de Villiers was a dangerous player.

"I know AB pretty well and he's a fabulous cricketer. He's really gone to a new level over the last couple of years and I'm sure he'll be a very positive captain," McCullum said.

"That's the way he plays the game and I'm sure he'll ask a lot of his team as well. So from our point of view, we've just got to make sure that we try and negate that and hopefully if we can keep his contributions in this series to a minimal effect than hopefully that will give us a greater opportunity as well."

McCullum said the role of wicketkeeping, batting high in the order and directing the troops around the park had its moments.

"It is semi-difficult. But it's great because you're involved in the game and when you've played for a period of time as well, all you want is even more involvement in the game and opportunities to be able to perform for your team."

It's a role de Villiers can relate to and the 27-year-old, who will likely bat at No 4 tomorrow, said he admired McCullum.

"I know Brendon quite well. We've played against each other for a few years. We had a few good nights together in the IPL before," de Villiers said.

"So I've always rated him as a leader. He's a very, very good cricketer. He's definitely a good man for the job that's for sure. He showed it in the Zimbabwe series and hopefully he won't be too good against us. But he's definitely a leader, that's for sure."

The stage is set for two talented skippers to lead from the front during the next seven days.