ODI series is a new challenge – De Villiers

AB de Villiers is ready to embark on a new challenge ahead of South Africa’s five-match one-day international series against England.

The captain is aiming to put the disappointing 2-1 Test series defeat behind him, having struggled individually, including falling for two ducks in the fourth Test in Centurion.

De Villiers believes every series presents a new challenge as he looks to get back to his renowned big-hitting exploits in the first ODI in Bloemfontein tomorrow. 

“I’ve always taken a new series, no matter where I go, as a new challenge,” he said.

“I’m starting from zero again in this series.

“I scored a hundred in my last ODI – but even then I feel like I’ve got to find my feet and get myself in.”

AB de Villiers scored three centuries during South Africa's 3-2 one-day international series win in India

The Proteas pulled off a thrilling 3-2 series victory over India in their last ODI series and De Villiers feels that his side have reason to be confident following that win.

The swashbuckling 31-year-old proved his class by smashing three centuries during the five 50-over matches.

“We have got lots of reason to be confident going into this series,” De Villiers added.

“We played some good cricket in India, a fantastic series win there, and there is some very good energy in the team. We are looking forward to the challenge.”

The last time these two sides met in a ODI series in South Africa saw England emerge victorious in a 2-1 triumph in 2009 and the Proteas skipper has voiced the respect he has for the opposition,

He added: “I saw them winning a few games at home and playing a few good games of cricket.

“They look confident and have got some good names in the team.

“No matter who we play, we always have respect for the opposition and it will be no different tomorrow.” 

The ODIs see a return for Lancashire wicketkeeper Jos Buttler who stole the headlines with England’s fastest ever ODI hundred against Pakistan in Dubai.

Buttler was dropped during the Test tour of the United Arab Emirates, and De Villiers highlighted the danger the gloveman possesses in white-ball cricket.

“We don’t have the same styles or techniques, but he definitely paces his innings in a similar kind of way to how I like to,” he said.

“He is a really good player – and yes, someone to have a look at.”


Source: ECB

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