Sleepless in Miami ... and Durban
AB de Villiers played a crucial role in South Africa's historic run-chase against Australia in Perth, scoring a half-century in the first innings and a nerveless century in the second
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
AB de Villiers played a crucial role in South Africa's historic run-chase against Australia in Perth, scoring a half-century in the first innings and a nerveless century in the second. On Supercricket, Mike Haysman remembers a time when de Villiers wasn't so calm.
The night before he was due to bat on the 25th of March (2006) against the likes of a potent Lee and Warne, he decided some extra hours of shut eye were warranted. After a draining day in the field watching a Ponting century he retired very early to the private sanctuary of his beachfront hotel room around 8pm. Restless sleep followed as the batting demons played havoc with his mind and he exhausted himself with visions of the challenge the following day. He eventually awoke in a startled state, riddled with apprehension about the day ahead. A quick glance at his watch escalated the anxiety. It was 10.30! He suddenly realised he was late for the start of play on day 2 and massive panic immediately set in ...
... Upon arriving in the foyer in a dishevelled and horror filled state, he realised his folly. It was still dark outside! He had actually awoken after only two hours sleep and it was in fact 10.30pm, not 10.30am! His watch combined with his fretful psychological state had succeeded to lie to him.
George Binoy is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo