BBL: AB de Villiers signs for Brisbane Heat
Former South African legend AB de Villiers is finally set to make his long-awaited Big Bash League (BBL) debut. The celebrated T20 freelancer has signed for Brisbane Heat for the 2019-20 season. ABD will join Heat for the second half of the season. AB, who had earlier hinted at joining the BBL, finally confirmed his availability. Here's more.
De Villiers joins Heat
I'm looking forward to joining forces with Lynn, says AB
De Villiers said he has spoken to Brisbane Heat captain Chris Lynn a few times after some Indian Premier League matches. He praised Lynn and said he is looking forward to joining forces with the Australian. "I've spoken to Chris a few times after games in the IPL. He gives his best shot for the boys. I'm looking forward to joining forces with him."
The Heat have always stood out to me: De Villiers
"The Heat have always stood out to me,'' ABD told brisbaneheat.com.au. "They play the kind of cricket that I want to be associated with. It's quite aggressive. They go after the attack. And the Gabba, it's a beautiful cricket field."
Brisbane Heat coach Lehmann feels it's a fantastic outcome
Meanwhile, Heat coach Darren Lehmann said he was over the moon to have the chance to work with de Villiers for the first time. "World class players don't just come along every day and to have a player of AB's stature and skill in the BBL is a fantastic outcome for everyone, not just the Heat,'' the former Australian coach said.
Lynn looking forward to see ABD's impact
Brisbane Heat saw Brendon McCullum retire from the game and the signing of De Villiers comes as a straight swap. Skipper Lynn said they are looking forward for another champion. "With Brendon retiring it's basically a clean swap with AB and we're looking forward to not only what he can do on the field, we're just looking for another experienced champion the change room."
AB has been in supreme form in T20s this year
De Villiers had a superb Vitality Blast T20 2019 campaign. He amassed 384 runs in eight matches for Middlesex. He averaged 69.60 with a strike-rate of 182.19. Prior to that, ABD also did well in the IPL for RCB (442 runs) and in the Pakistan Super League for Lahore Qalandars (224 runs). This is a big statement of intent by the Brisbane Heat.
