I've Been Asked By Cricket South Africa To Lead The Proteas Again: AB de Villiers

Former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers has revealed that he has received the offer of leading his national team again. The batting legend also reiterated that he still has desires of donning the South Africa jersey once again.

AB de Villiers had sensationally announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018 summer. He, however, has kept playing in franchise cricket all across the world. Last year, he tried to represent South Africa in the World Cup but his proposal was turned down by the team-management.

However, things have changed since Mark Boucher took over as head coach in December. Boucher has made it clear that he has no issues in recalling AB de Villiers and the latter has also made it clear that he wants to play international cricket again.

“The desire is there from my side to play for South Africa and have been asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again,” said the 36-year old while speaking on Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’.

At the same, the veteran batsman said that he will only make a comeback if he feels that he is good enough to play at the international level. AB de Villiers’ last competitive appearance came in the last edition of the Big Bash League where he played for Brisbane Heat.

“The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form and I have got to be better than the player next to me. If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI,” said AB de Villiers.

“I have not been part of the Proteas for a while and I feel that it’s important for myself and for other people to see that I am still good enough to be there,” he added.

Previously, Mark Boucher had said that De Villiers would be considered in the national team for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia only if he shows good form and proves himself to be the “best man for the job”. But in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, AB de Villiers is still not sure when next round of cricket will be played.

“However, with the virus going around, I don’t know what’s going to happen with the schedule,” he concluded.

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