Australia in SA
AB tops batting stats
2009-04-18 13:07
Top batsman (Gallo Images)
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Johannesburg - Man of the Series AB de Villiers emerged as the best batsman in the one-day international series between South Africa and Australia which ended at the Wanderers on Friday.
Statistics showed De Villiers - whose stated aim is to be the best batsman in the world - scored 240 runs at an average of 60, with a strike rate of 95.61. His highest score was 84. Herschelle Gibbs was the top run scorer, with 256 runs at an average of 50.60 and a strike rate of 82.14. His highest score was 110.
The most successful Australian batsman was Brad Haddin, who made 209 runs at an average of 41.80. Michael Hussey - who made 138 runs - topped the Australian averages at 46, with a highest score of 83.
Left arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe, who made his ODI debut at his home ground in Centurion on April 5, was the leading South African bowler, with eight wickets at an average of 18.62. Only Dale Steyn (10) took more wickets than Van der Merwe, but Steyn's average was 23.30 and he was more expensive, going for 5.04 runs an over compared to Van der Merwe's four.
Australian Mitchell Johnson was the leading wicket taker of the series, with 13 wickets at an average of 17.07.
Proteas coach Mickey Arthur was effusive in his praise of De Villiers's performances in Test and ODI cricket.
"The way he's matured through the summer has been unbelievable," said Arthur. "In Test match cricket, the 100 he scored in Perth, the hundred here at the Wanderers and his hundred in Cape Town have been incredible.
They showed how much he's grown as a player and the way he has mentally adapted to game situations. He's grown into one of the senior players in our side that the youngsters take a lot of direction from. I'm very proud of this young man," concluded Arthur.
The coach also had praise for Van der Merwe, saying the Titans player had fitted into the Proteas set-up "like a glove".
"He's got a very good attitude," said Arthur. "He's aggressive and he is a very good prospect for the future."