SAvAUS, 2nd Test - AB de Villiers is the Federer of cricket: Twitter left in awe as ABD slams masterful ton

AB de Villiers scored an unbeaten century as South Africa took a commanding first innings lead of 139 runs over Australia at lunch on the third day of the second Test at St George's Park on Sunday.

South Africa added 118 runs to their overnight total of 264 for seven wickets in a busy morning session as de Villiers notched up his 22nd Test century in a return to form that could prove pivotal in the Test.

 

The talismanic batsman had not scored a ton in his last 13 Tests but his 126 not out helped the home side put on more than 150 runs for the last three wickets.

Twitter was left in awe after as ABD played a knock for the ages on Sunday.

Here are some tweets

Brilliant century from @ABdeVilliers17. And gets there with an upper cut! I don't think there is a cricket lover in the world who doesn't admire him.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 11, 2018

Seems @ABdeVilliers17 is playing one of the great Test innings in what’s turning out to be an enthralling series SA Vs Aus: https://t.co/EnLjDZphPB

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 10, 2018

What a 100 @ABdeVilliers17

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) March 11, 2018

What an innings! What a player! Take a bow @ABdeVilliers17  pic.twitter.com/yuZu8mrE9L

— ICC (@ICC) March 11, 2018

Among the finest counter-attacking centuries -- and under huge pressure -- I've seen. In this form, who's better than @ABdeVilliers17 I ask?

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 11, 2018

What a superstar AB de Villiers truly is. Leaving statistics to one side, I still think he's the best and most dynamic batsman in world cricket. #SAvAUS

— Adam White (@White_Adam) March 11, 2018

AB De Villiers in this series:

Not Out: 71*
Run Out: 0
Not Out: 126*

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 11, 2018

What an absolutely brilliant innings from AB de Villiers. SA have hot a handy lead. Looks a good test match on offer #SAvsAUS

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 11, 2018

So good to watch @ABdeVilliers17 in full flight. Absolute legend of the game and always makes it look so easy.! #SAvsAUS

— David Miller (@DavidMillerSA12) March 11, 2018

AB de Villiers has scored 197 runs & faced 273 deliveries but hasn't got out to any Australia bowler in this series. #SAvAus

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) March 11, 2018

Driving, cutting, pulling, hooking, rocking and rolling, @ABdeVilliers17 has turned this Test on its head

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 11, 2018

AB de Villiers is the Roger Federer of cricket. An absolute pleasure to watch, even when he’s beating your team. The fact he seems like a prefect human being also helps the comparison. #SAvAUS

— Mick Snowden (@MickSnowden) March 2, 2018

There are 2 types of batsmen. AB de Villiers & the rest.
I’ve always believed it this way #ABD #TheBestever

— Pradhyoth (@Pradhyoth1) March 10, 2018

AB’s 100 with this shot 
This being his 22nd Test century!!
Happiness @ABdeVilliers17 congratulations#AUSvSA #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/t8vUPNTr4j

— Swati (@SwatiT_) March 11, 2018

Ridiculous shot from AB de Villiers. Shot of the match so far #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/IluKAilISs

— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) March 11, 2018

My favorite @ABdeVilliers17 Is back on track
128 Runs On Just (146) balls.#Abisback. pic.twitter.com/Py1SP4cMMD

— Rahat Khan (@iamRahatkhans) March 11, 2018

Create that space for himself to free his arms #ABDevilliers #SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/dPsxJWwm3B

— Sush (@Cricketisluv) March 11, 2018

@ABdeVilliers17 Master Class!! Tough batting condition
#SAvAUS #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/dL7gv56Qcy

— Asad Altaf (@sphykotic) March 11, 2018

South Africa were eventually out for 382 just before lunch with Australia to start their second innings after the break.

De Villiers featured in an 84-run partnership with Vernon Philander for the eighth wicket as the pair saw off any potential impact of the new ball from an Australian attack that looked tired after their exertions on Saturday.

Philander added 22 to his overnight tally before being caught at short leg by Cameron Bancroft off Pat Cummins for 36.

 

De Villiers went to his century soon after with an audacious shot over the slips as he was joined by Keshav Maharaj, who swatted at the Australian bowling to score 30 off 24 balls before he was bowled by Josh Hazlewood.

The partnership for the ninth wicket yielded a further 58 runs to the frustration of the tourists.

Australia scored 243 in their first innings. The tourists were victors in the last week's first Test in Durban at the start of the four-match series.

 

(Inputs from Reuters)