De Villiers has finally silenced his critics

South Africa wicketkeeper batsman AB de Villiers has revealed that his love for wicketkeeping has grown drastically after he took over for veteran Mark Boucher in July since it forces him to stay alert at all times.

De Villiers replaced Boucher as South Africa’s wicketkeeper after the veteran had his international career ended prematurely due to a freak eye injury during a warm up match against Somerset.

Even though de Villiers’ skill with the gloves has never been questioned, his form with the bat has since taking up his new role, but the 28-year-old believes that he has finally silenced his critics after scoring an unbelievable 169 against Australia during the final Test at Perth.

“Obviously, there’s a bit of added pressure on me with the gloves in hand,” Sports24 quoted De Villiers as saying. “It’s been coming for a while now. Can I score runs with the gloves? Luckily I did.”

De Villiers also stated that he does not get easily fatigued while keeping since there is not much running involved.

“I honestly believe I don’t get as tired when I’m ‘keeping,” de Villiers added. “When you are in the field and running up and down, it’s really hard work and it can be mentally draining as well. When I’m ‘keeping, I have 30 yards to run between overs and that’s it.

“I’ve got to expect the ball a bit more often but I love being in the game, it keeps me on my toes and I’m really loving having the gloves in hand.”