A BLAST OF AB
So this time it’s actually happening. AB De Villiers, one of the all-time great white-ball cricketers, is coming to the Big Bash League.
The South African, who holds the world record for the fastest-ever one-day international century, 31 balls against the West Indies in 2015, has signed for the Brisbane Heat and will take his place in their squad in January.
The 35-year-old, who also holds the record for the fastest T20 fifty by a South African, will play in the Heat’s last six matches, injury permitting, and the finals, if the Brisbane-based team can reach the top four.
De Villiers explains that he and his representatives had communicated with five BBL franchises, but felt that Brisbane offered him the best opportunity. “I’ve always enjoyed the city and I love the Gabba,” he says to Inside Sport. “I was genuinely excited by the energy and enthusiasm of [coach] Darren Lehmann and [general manger] Andrew McShea to take the team forward.”
Earlier in 2019, other franchises were also interested in De Villiers – all eight at one time or another, if the rumour mill is to be believed. Towards the end of last summer, however, it seemed as if the Sydney Sixers
