One of the talented younger players who are thought to be the future of South African cricket, de Villiers has packed a good deal in his brief international career so far. Coming up through the Under-19 ranks his talent sprouted early and the selectors showed infinite wisdom in giving him the Test cap against England in 2004-05 when he was barely 20. By this time he was equally comfortable in the middle order or while opening but he made his debut in the latter role and without running up big scores he displayed the calm temperament and the technical excellence required at the top of the order. In the next Test he shone in two roles, helping South Africa save the Test with a timely unbeaten 52 at No 8 and also donning the stumper’s gloves. Before the end of the series he had a grand double of 92 and 109 in the final Test at Centurion and within a couple of months followed up with 98 off 118 balls against Zimbabwe putting on 217 runs with Graeme Smith for the first wicket. By now established with his captain at the top of the order De Villiers was at his stroke playing best in the Caribbean hitting 178 at Bridgetown and sharing a first wicket stand of 191 runs with Smith. In the next Test at St John’s the duo bettered this with a partnership of 245, de Villiers’ share being 114. The big scores have since eluded him but a couple of 90s against New Zealand and Sri Lanka have seen him maintain an average of over 40. He has also been a regular member of the ODI squad without enjoying the same level of success.

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