Review: AB: The Autobiography
Cricket autobiographies flit between bland and interesting. Those
written by current cricketers often err with the former, while their
retired counterparts succeed with the latter.
AB de Villiers’ memoirs fall satisfyingly in the middle, offsetting
the mundane with the intriguing.
Unlike, say, Alastair Cook or Stuart Broad, who released
autobiographies at the age of 24 and 26 respectively, the 32-year-old de
Villiers’ timing is far more appropriate - and speaks to a willing,
rather than obliged, audience.
Requiring a few ‘sighter’ chapters before producing a proverbial
innings of substance, de Villiers unashamedly declares his Christian
faith at the fore before providing readers with insight into a childhood
spent fashioning much of the shot selection, stroke play and cricketing
relationships galvanised years later.
While several pages recall more than a decade of home series and
tours to all corners of the globe, and unfortunately read like an empty
collection of match reports, ample time is dedicated to de Villiers’
particularly memorable performances.
January 2015’s world-record destruction of the West Indies in the
second ODI at the Wanderers and April 2008 and November 2010’s superb
double centuries, against India and Pakistan respectively, present the
most pride.
De Villiers is quick to laugh at himself, too, after gathering four
World Cup ducks - and getting out to a delivery that bounced twice
during a Test in Bangladesh.Well documented as a talented sportsman, de
Villiers dispels rumours spread by the otherwise reputable Sky Sports.
He was not shortlisted for inclusion in the national hockey squad, he
doesn’t hold any swimming or badminton records, he was never in line for
competitive football selection and did not play rugby at South African
representative level.
True, he was a solid golfer and an excellent tennis player during his
formative years, but ultimately the desire to participate in team sport
saw the greens, fairways and courts take a backseat to nets, pitches and
outfields.
The genuine delight and fulfilment derived from 2008’s historic Test
series wins in England, where de Villiers successfully countered being
labelled a ‘cheat’, and Australia, where he graciously humbled the
outspoken Matthew Hayden, is palpable - and there is no shortage of
sincere appreciation for Graeme Smith, during those tours, before and
beyond.
Mark Boucher, Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis, too,
enjoy de Villiers’ admiration, while England spinner Monty Panesar,
Pakistan seamer Mohammad Asif and Australian fast bowler Mitchell
Johnson are rated among his most challenging opposition.Reverence for
the late Hansie Cronje and the underrated Mickey Arthur doesn’t go
unnoticed, while grievances with Ashwell Prince and Ray Jennings
required greater transparency, not truncated censorship.
Kallis, de Villiers acknowledges, was a major influence in his path
to becoming the number one-ranked Test and ODI batsman - and sympathy
for Boucher, who had to retire from playing international cricket due to
an eye injury, heartfelt.
De Villiers’ attempt to substantiate the trio’s bond, complemented by
Smith and Justin Kemp’s contribution but mistakenly perceived as a
negative clique, is honourable.
Preferred positions in the batting order, his occasionally begrudging
role as a wicketkeeper and a few indulgent performances with the ball
make for entertaining reading.
His opinion on match-fixing - and the controversial selection of
Vernon Philander ahead of Kyle Abbott for the 2015 World Cup semi-final
against New Zealand - also deserved elaboration. Never excusing nor
justifying early exits in major tournaments, though, he is realistic and
sound in his defence against the so-called ‘chokers’ tag.De Villiers,
meanwhile, vehemently declares “the Indian Premier League has gradually
taken the intimidation factor out of cricket.” His admission that “the
downside of losing is greater than the need to win” is certainly
enlightening, but arguably damning.
Passion, patriotism, loyalty, selfless servanthood and a constant
battle against mediocrity are widespread, but the book lacks depth a
delayed release should have allowed.
However, some very relatable tales - and a willingness to give of
himself in print where he can’t in person - ultimately excuse the
deficit.
Written with Edward Griffiths and published by Pan MacMillan, ‘AB:
The Autobiography’ has been released in Afrikaans, too, affording this
substantial demographic further accessibility to a relatively
approachable role model and hero.“Leaders eat last,” de Villiers
concludes - a fitting sentiment, ethos even, for a man whose humble
approach, in life and this book, belies the trappings of veritable
superstardom. |