Profile Details

AB de Villiers Batting Style Bowling Style Right-hand Wicketkeeper Profile Now one of South African cricket's stars, the 20 year old Abraham Benjamin de Villiers (AB) was Carrick's overseas professional for 2004. AB, from Pretoria, plays for Northerns Titans, who play at the Test venue of Supersport Park in Centurion. Made his debut in 2003/04 season in both first class and domestic limited overs competitions. Scored fifties in each of his first four first class innings, and 99 from 113 balls in the semi final of the Standard Bank Cup (SA's principal limited overs competition) in February 2004. Named as Domestic Newcomer of the Year and Under 19's Player of the Year at 2004 South African Cricket Awards. Toured England with South Africa Under 19's 2003, scoring 192 runs in the 3 Test series , including 99 in the 2nd Test at New Road Worcester. Won Player of the series in the one day international series with scores of 143 in the first match at Arundel, and 60 in the second game at Hove. Represented winners South Africa at Commonwealth Under 19 Championships in India 2004. Won Player of Tournament award, and Man of the Match in final with 193 off just 143 balls. Scored 82 from 85 balls on Carrick debut v Belfast Harlequins in May 2004. AB became the first Carrick player to score a double century when he scored 233* v Cliftonville in July 2004. He followed this up by scoring 208* v Instonians the following weekend. Topped the 2004 NCU Batting averages with 894 runs @127.71. AB had to return home in late July as he was selected by South Africa A for tour to Zimbabwe August 2004. Scored 91 and 84 on debut. Also played for South Africa A v New Zealand A in September 2004. Scored his maiden first class hundred Titans v Western Province October 2004. Made his Test debut for South Africa for in the 1st Test v England at Port Elizabeth in December 2004. Scored his maiden Test fifty, 52* in the second innings of the 2nd Test at Durban, sharing in a match saving 85 run eighth wicket partnership in 27 overs with Sean Pollock. AB scored his maiden Test century in the 2nd innings of the 5th Test v England at his home ground, Supersport Park, Centurion in January 2005. His 109 followed 92 in the first innings and won him the Man of the Match award. AB has since scored two further Test hundreds including his best Test score of 178 during South Africa's tour of the West Indies in 2005. Has been a regular in the South Afrca Test and 1 day sides since then. Took part in the South Africa v India ODI's in Belfast 2007. Has become one of the greats of South African cricket, and in 2010 broke Graeme Pollock's individual scoring record with an innings of 278* v Pakistan