Bacher: AB should be SA's new Test skipper

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Cricket365
April 22, 2014

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."