Just watching De Villiers bat today, it struck me how well-rounded a player he's become. Pretty much any criticism that is generally applied to a batsman can't be said of De Villiers.
He has no obvious technical weaknesses anymore and doesn't get out repeatedly in the same way. He can smash spinners and fast bowlers equally.
No proof. He was mediocre in his last tour of India in tests except during the second test, when conditions more or less suited his style of batting, he unleashed a glorious innings.
He can score runs when the going is tough, and he can cash in when the going's good.
He doesn't look especially vulnerable early on, and he can bat for long, long periods.
He can stick around and absorb pressure, and he can score quickly when he feels like it.
He's quick between the wickets, is possibly the world's greatest fielder, and is a quality player in both formats.
Sounds like you have been just hired by him for PR.
Over the past two years, he now averages over 60. Can anyone actually think of a criticism it's possible to level at him, or is it safe to say he's pretty much the perfect batsman?
Many. I absolutely find his stance and feet movement (initially) as clumsy and unorthodox. His backlift is wierd and he looks every bit edgy at the crease till he gets to 50.
Don't get me wrong. All these can be papered over if he continues to score and contribute to SA cricket for the coming years. I love the chap. But he is not exactly my cuppa when it comes to test cricket.
Brilliant.