'We need to get him back' - Former South Africa all-rounder Brain McMillan opens up about AB de Villiers' national comeback

AB de Villiers’ international comeback has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now. The South African legend had retired from International cricket in 2018 but had kept on playing franchise leagues all across the globe. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup coming up later this year, there have been talks of a comeback for the superstar batsman.

South Africa’s Director of Cricket Graeme Smith and head coach Mark Boucher have expressed their willingness of having ABD back in the side. In fact, the 36-year-old batsman himself had expressed his wish to return to the frame. Now, in a recent interview, former South African all-rounder Brain McMillan has also expressed his likeliness to the topic. He revealed that he is fully supporting the decision of ABD making a comeback into the side.

‘AB de Villiers epitomises class’: Brain McMillan

“I would absolutely be in favour of AB de Villiers making a comeback to South Africa’s T20 side with the T20 World Cup in mind. He has been quoted as saying, ‘I’m thinking of throwing my name in the hat and hoping that everything will work out.’ It would be fantastic to see De Villiers in the green and gold again and I believe that we need to get him back as quickly as possible,” McMillan said while talking to Sport24.

McMillan further said that ABD is one of the greatest players to have come out of South Africa. He then talked about AB’s attitude, “For me, the 36-year-old is one of the greatest ever cricketers from South Africa. What I like most about him is his attitude, performances and winning way. Everything about De Villiers epitomises class and his winning way is rounded off with enjoyment,” McMillian said.

During the BBL 2019-20, where de Villiers was playing for Brisbane Heat, he had said, “It’s a long way away still, and plenty can happen – there’s the IPL coming up, I’ve still got to be in form at that time. So I’m thinking of throwing my name in the hat and hoping that everything will work out.”

Brian McMillian was one of the finest all-rounders from South Africa. He was the part of the side when Proteas were making a comeback into international cricket. He had played 38 Tests and 78 ODIs. In 38 Tests, he had scored 1968 runs at 39.36 and also picked up 75 wickets. In ODIs, he had scored 841 runs and taken 70 wickets.