Kyle Abbott is hoping South Africa can maintain their 100 per cent winning streak in their pink kit at the Wanderers tomorrow to ensure their one-day international series with England heads into a decider.
The Proteas have won all three ODIs when they have worn Pink clothing, instead of their traditional green and yellow, in support of breast cancer awareness.
Another win in Johannesburg tomorrow will level the five-match series up at 2-2 heading into the final match in Cape Town on Valentine’s Day.
“We have got a good record here, not only in pink, but in ODIs at the Wanderers,” paceman Abbott said.
“It doesn’t happen in one or two overs… and I hope we can keep up our record and put a bit more pressure on in this series, which I think is building more on them than us at the moment.”
The Proteas have never lost in pink, can they continue that tradition at #PinkDay tomorrow? Inspire #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/sjqVksknFy
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 11, 2016
South Africa pegged England back at Centurion on Tuesday following back-to-back wins, completing a record chase at SuperSport Park.
Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock both struck centuries in a 239-run opening stand as the Proteas eased to their victory target of 319 inside 47 overs.
“Chasing 320 the other night gives us a lot of confidence – because we feel in that first game as well, we were in the mix,” Abbott added.
“We’ve got our plans; we’ve done our research on (England), so we’re pretty confident… to keep them quiet.”
Batsmen have dominated the first three matches of the series, but Abbott has returned respectable figures in the two games he has played.
Excited for the ODI tomorrow. Can’t wait to see Wanderers in pink raising awareness and support for breast cancer. Let’s knock cancer for 6
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) February 11, 2016
Abbott took 3-58 when England chased down 263 in Port Elizabeth and followed that with 2-50 from 10 overs at Centurion.
With the Wanderers renowned as a smaller-sized ground, Abbott knows the Proteas pace attack will need to be on their guard.
“Even a shot that’s not that well timed can go for four or six here, so that is challenging,” he said.
“But if it does get away from us during an over, it’s important we close it out and keep it to a 10-run over and not a 15 or 20 that can change a game.
“There’s a short side to the playing area, so we’re going to have to manage that not only from a bowling side but batting as well – with left and right hand.”
Source: ECB