It was almost one year after his Test debut that AB de Villiers got his first chance in ODIs. Yet again, it was against England and this time around, the game happened at Bloemfontein. Although he could not touch the 10000 run-mark, ABD did leave an impact with over 8000 runs scored at an average above fifty and a strike rate above hundred. He also has the fastest ODI century to his name. On that note, here, we take a look at South Africa’s playing XI when AB de Villiers made his ODI Debut.
Openers: Graeme Smith (C) and AB de Villiers
Just like his Test debut, Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers opened the batting when AB de Villiers made his ODI Debut, too. Back then, apart from with the bat, Smith also worked as the sole spinner of the squad. In this game, too, he bowled two overs. Just like in Tests, AB de Villiers also started his ODI career as an opener.
Middle-Order: H Gibbs, Ashwell Prince, and Mark Boucher (WK)
Back then, South Africa had a terrific middle-order. Gibbs was an aggressive option for the Proteas in the middle-order. Although Ashwell Prince is a specialist batter, it was at No.8 that he batted in this game. Mark Boucher, as usual, was the option for South Africa in the lower middle-order.
All-Rounders: J Kallis, Justin Kemp and Andrew Hall
South Africa always had a lot of all-rounders in the setup. In this game, as well, they had the likes of Kallis, Kemp and Hall in the playing XI. While Kallis and Kemp had a good day with the bat, Andrew Hall had a decent outing with the ball.
Bowlers: Shaun Pollock, M Ntini and Andre Nel
Ntini, Shaun Pollock and Nel were the specialist pacers in South Africa’s playing XI when AB de Villiers made his ODI Debut. Back then, South Africa always had a good pace attack. It was no different for this game. They had Shaun Pollock, Ntini and Nel as part of the attack.
