In seven ODI innings this summer before De Villiers' demolition, Anderson averaged 19.86 at a strike rate of 86; in seven innings since, his average has been 35 and his strike rate 127.
Perhaps more pertinent to his all-round contribution has been increased bowling success.
There's a sound case to suggest lifting the weight of expectation as the game's quickest run-scorer has given Anderson a spring in his run-up.
This summer he had seven wickets at an average of 46.28 and an economy rate of 6.35 before January 18; he's taken 15 wickets at 16.93 since, while conceding 6.17 runs per over. His strike rate has dropped from a wicket every 44 balls to 16 balls and he has dismissed two or more batsmen in his last five games. In addition, his explosive arm hints at why he was a track and field talent at school. Batsmen need plenty of faith in their short-twitch fibres when considering two or three.
Anderson's resurgence must be put into the wider context of the team. By performing two key roles effectively, the 24-year-old has become a vital component from which captain Brendon McCullum can generate a game plan.
Anderson has picked up three man-of-the-match awards in his last 10 ODIs. In the fledgling stages of the World Cup, his bowling strike rate of 9.8 is the best for those delivering more than two overs; his batting strike rate of 139 is third best for those facing more than 30 balls.
Another intangible factor is his oscillation between passive and aggressive with the bat. The 81 off 96 to beat Sri Lanka showcased him summing up the state of the game and playing with less bravado. He came in at 77 for four in the 12th over after McCullum had made an early impact. Contrast that with 75 off 46 balls against the same opposition to open the World Cup when he was given carte blanche from the 34th over with New Zealand 193 for four.
On the bowling front, he has bowled five or more overs in six of the nine innings he has played this summer and hasn't shied from delivering at the death.
In congratulating de Villiers on taking his crown, Anderson held hope the record for balls faced in making an ODI century might diminish further.
"Never say never ... We've got the World Cup coming up, so it could be a good chance for someone else to take it down."
Perhaps he should reserve having a crack for now.
3 things about Anderson
1. He has won three man-of-the match awards in his last 10 one-day internationals.
2. His bowling strike of 9.8 is the best at the World Cup for those delivering more than two overs and his batting strike of 139 is third-best for those facing more than 30 balls.
3. This year his batting average is 37 at a strike rate of 107; his bowling average is 20.93 at an economy rate of 6.07.
