Is AB de Villiers the most valuable cricketer in the World today?

[MCGGG]

I find it interesting that the best modern day cricketing nations both have deep roots in combat sports, in Australia kids play Aussie rules or Rugby league whilst growing up, SA kids play rugby union, cricket is a summer sport for those southern hemesphere countries, IMO the confidence the kids get from playing those sports at a young age holds them in great stead for cricket, sledging in cricket is like water off a ducks back compared to what you cop in contact sports.

[bharat297]

I find it interesting that the best modern day cricketing nations both have deep roots in combat sports' date=' in Australia kids play Aussie rules or Rugby league whilst growing up, SA kids play rugby union, cricket is a summer sport for those southern hemesphere countries, IMO the confidence the kids get from playing those sports at a young age holds them in great stead for cricket, sledging in cricket is like water off a ducks back compared to what you cop in contact sports.[/quote'] Tony Grieg once attributed that background to being the reason those countries historically produce more naturally athletic fieldsmen. His reasoning was that they are used to diving around on the ground and putting their body on the line.

[Texan]

I find it interesting that the best modern day cricketing nations both have deep roots in combat sports' date=' in Australia kids play Aussie rules or Rugby league whilst growing up, SA kids play rugby union, cricket is a summer sport for those southern hemesphere countries, IMO the confidence the kids get from playing those sports at a young age holds them in great stead for cricket, sledging in cricket is like water off a ducks back compared to what you cop in contact sports.[/quote'] Interesting observation.

[govinda]

Australia in transition' date=' damn, even England beat us, happens to even the best every now and then, but it doesn't happen to strong Australian teams, as you know Australia in high gear will push anyone-anywhere, and they won't lose at home.[/quote'] ya oz got its revenge in 2013\14 ashes

[govinda]

I find it interesting that the best modern day cricketing nations both have deep roots in combat sports' date=' in Australia kids play Aussie rules or Rugby league whilst growing up, SA kids play rugby union, cricket is a summer sport for those southern hemesphere countries, IMO the confidence the kids get from playing those sports at a young age holds them in great stead for cricket, sledging in cricket is like water off a ducks back compared to what you cop in contact sports.[/quote'] good point