‘Felt in some of the best form of my career’ - AB de Villiers oozing confidence ahead of BBL debut

AB de Villiers, the former South African batsman, feels that he’s is good stead going into the 2019-20 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). The veteran is set to make his debut in the T20 league, representing the Brisbane Heat, captained by Chris Lynn. The Pretoria-born understands what’s required of him on the field and reckons that he is in some best form of his career.

De Villiers replaced the talented Tom Banton in the Heat’s squad. His first assignment is in the match against Adelaide Strikes on Tuesday, January 14 at The Gabba in Brisbane. Talking about Heat’s journey thus far, he stated that the team is in good shape courtesy some standout performances.

Tom Banton did a fantastic job: AB de Villiers

“I felt in some of the best form of my career. Hopefully we’ll see more of that in this tournament. I know what’s required of me to make a play for the team. There’s been some standout performances from the Heat this season and I think the team is in a really good place,” De Villiers was quoted as saying to the reporters in Brisbane.

The 35-year-old also lauded Banton for his sterling shows before leaving the franchise. “Tom Banton did a fantastic job, hopefully I’ll do a similar job but in the middle order,” he stated. In seven matches, Banton notched 223 runs at an average of 31.85, striking at 176.98. His top score of 64 came against the Melbourne Stars at the Carrara Oval.

De Villiers and Lynn playing in the same lineup means that there won’t be any dearth of excitement. Both have played against each other quite a few times in the Indian Premier League (IPL). De Villiers expects his partnership with Lynn to be something ‘nice to watch’.

“It could be interesting, I don’t know what to expect. We know each other from chatting at IPL but it’s an interesting dynamic with two players at the crease, it either works or it doesn’t. I’ve got a feeling it’s going to work and be very nice to watch. Hopefully I’ll do most of the watching at the non-striker’s end,” he added.