[1]AB de Villiers is not only looking to skipper South Africa to success at one day international level in the Champions Trophy, he is also auditioning for the role as Test captain, says coach Gary Kirsten.
The wicketkeeper-batsman has led the ODI side for the last two years and Kirsten, who leaves his post next month, says South Africa are grooming him for the Test job when veteran skipper Graeme Smith steps down.
There is no word on when that will be, but a chronic ankle problem will keep Smith out for the next four to six months.
South Africa’s medical team have been unable to find a permanent fix and it could hasten Smith’s departure, fast tracking de Villiers into the job.
South Africa’s next Test series is against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in November.
Kirsten, who leaves his post next month, has backed the 29-year-old to be Smith’s successor.
“AB de Villiers is growing as a leader, he has only done 20 games. Double that up and you will have someone who I think is going to be pretty special,” Kirsten said in a recent interview.
“He has got great leadership qualities in that he has a great value system as a human being and as he grows and understands the strategy on the field he will mature into a great leader.”
There is a worry that the demands of the captaincy, wicket-keeping and his role as a key batsman in the top order may be too much of a burden, but his form with the bat has been outstanding.
In the 21 matches since he took over as skipper in June 2011, he has averaged over 90.
Kirsten sees no dangers of overburdening de Villiers and suggested he would remain with the gloves for the foreseeable future. “We want him to explore his captaincy, but our strongest combination is with him captaining and keeping,” Kirsten added.
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[1] http://archive.asianage.com/sp5jpg-681