Members of Australia’s Test squad discuss the brilliance of AB de Villiers ahead of South Africa tour

South African batting stalwart AB de Villiers, who missed a chunk of the limited-overs leg against India owing to injury is all geared up for his next challenge when the Proteas host the 2017 Ashes-winning Australian team. The 34-year-old missed the first three ODIs with a finger injury which he incurred during the Test series. However, he was again ruled out of the T20 leg after sustaining a serious injury to his left knee which worsened further while playing in the final ODI fixture.

AB de Villiers has been one of the leading batsmen of his generation and his imperative contributions come as irreplaceable to the Proteas. Able in every department of the game, de Villiers is a threat that the Australian team would like to eliminate early. A lynchpin in the batting order, the right-hander can decimate any bowling lineup on his day.

In a video published by Australia.com.au on their Youtube channel, members of Australia’s Test squad discussed the brilliance of AB de Villiers ahead of the four-Test series in March.

Speaking of the South African’s consistency, Aussie skipper Steve Smith said, “The way he’s done it, day in day out is remarkable. The way he scores his runs…he scores everywhere around the ground. At times, as a captain, it can be a bit of a nightmare.”

Smith added, “He’s a world-class performer and has been for many years and is probably going to go down as one of the greatest players in world cricket.”

Dale Steyn probable to return for the later stages of the series

The 34-year-old has played just two Tests in the past 18 months and sustaining an injury in each encounter. During the series against India as well, he picked an injury to his left heel after an awkward land during the series opener at Cape Town.

The Proteas speedster, however, is optimistic about overcoming ligament damage in his foot to be fit for the latter half of the four-Test series that starts on Thursday.