Bacher: AB should be SA's new Test skipper
South Africa cricket legend Dr Ali Bacher feels AB de Villiers should become the new Test captain, with Faf du Plessis as his deputy, following the retirement of Graeme Smith earlier this year.
South Africa cricket legend Dr Ali Bacher feels AB de Villiers should become the new Test captain, with Faf du Plessis as his deputy, following the retirement of Graeme Smith earlier this year.
Smith retired from the Proteas after 13 years as skipper, leaving a gaping hole in the number one Test side's line-up. With De Villiers the ODI skipper and Du Plessis the T20 leader, it is unclear who will be given the Test reins.
But Bacher, a former Proteas captain and head of CSA, feels De Villiers is the better bet, as he is more vocal and dynamic, while Du Plessis will do a good job as the more measured and quiet adviser.
Bacher told <i>MWP</i>: "I will give AB de Villiers the captaincy and appoint Faf as vice-captain. As a combination, they complement each other well and their leadership qualities will be terrific for South Africa.
"Both AB and Faf are potentially good leaders. AB is dynamic, enterprising, the best all-round batsman in the world today and full of enthusiasm.
"Faf is quieter on the field. He possesses big match temperament. He is focused, determined and I like his body language. He doesn't lose his cool.
"I will make AB captain, but without the gloves. With AB as skipper and Faf as vice-captain, South Africa will be blessed with an admirable combination.
Former Titans skipper Gerald Dros, who knows both candidates well as they play for the franchise, said it was almost too close to pick: "If I was a company board and had to make a decision for a chief executive officer, I will make them the joint CEO.
"AB is one of the best players I have ever seen, and some people compare him to Barry Richards and Graeme Pollock. He will lead from the front and the players will follow him, but he will talk less.
"Faf has natural leadership abilities. He has a cool head, he makes good decisions under pressure and his fellow players respect his leadership. In a way he is similar to Hansie Cronje in that players are drawn to his leadership."
Latest
-
NewsTom Westley and Essex have their sights set on Royal London Cup silverware
Essex, who won the domestic Twenty20 competition in 2019, have only two players in The Hundred.
-
NewsMatt Parkinson stars at Manchester Originals have Birmingham Phoenix in a spin
The England leg spinner’s four for nine set up the victory for Jos Buttler’s side.
-
NewsHaseeb Hameed hundred helps Nottinghamshire defeat Warwickshire
Essex and Lancashire remain perfect in Group Two after two games.
-
NewsHundred organisers hit out at ‘unacceptable’ abuse
Players have been targeted since the launch of cricket’s new format.
-
NewsJoe Root admits friendship will be set aside against Ben Stokes in The Hundred
The England pair face off with Trent Rockers and Northern Superchargers on Monday.
-
NewsLocal hero Jonny Bairstow stuns Headingley with impressive Welsh Fire knock
Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batsman Bairstow, captaining the Fire, hit 56 from 36 balls in The Hundred clash.
-
News‘He’s a fantastic asset’ – Joe Root excited to see Rashid Khan in Hundred action
The England Test captain and Afghanistan leg-spinner are team-mates at Trent Rockets.
-
News5 things we learned from the opening games of The Hundred
The near 8,000 who turned up for night one represented the biggest ever UK crowd for a women’s match.
-
NewsFirst-pick Rashid Khan proud to be flying flag for Afghanistan in The Hundred
The leg-spinner is excited about the prospect of bowling 10 balls in a row when he turns out for Trent Rockets.
-
NewsAdil Rashid looking forward to coming up against Jonny Bairstow in The Hundred
When they face off on Saturday the Yorkshire and England team-mates will be on opposite sides for the first time.