South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2016/17: AB de Villiers Urges Proteas To Be Ruthless
Feb 4, 2017 at 9:43 AM
The flashing danger signs are already out for Sri Lanka, as South Africa are ready to welcome them at Johannesburg in their annual Pink jersey affair. In the Pink outfit so far, the Proteas have been profusely ruthless and have maintained a 100% win record. It was in this very outfit, where AB De Villiers played that epic knock against the West Indies in January 2015 and registered the fastest ever century in ODIs.
Ahead of the third game, which could well turn out to be the one where the series gets sealed, De Villiers has urged his side to be ruthless. The iconic batsman was of the view that if the Proteas are to excel in ICC events such as the upcoming Champions Trophy, it is essential to win a series in comprehensive style.
“If we are going to win big tournaments, you’ve got to win five or six games in a row sometimes. We’ve got to get that habit going of winning series 4-1, 5-0, instead of 3-2 like we’ve done in the past because when you get to a World Cup, 3-2 is not good enough,” said an optimistic De Villiers ahead of the third ODI.
Speaking about his love to perform in sell out games, De Villiers said:
“I enjoy big crowds and big moments and there’s a bit of hype and a lot of noise around this game. I love playing at the Bullring. Once I get going and I get to 50 or so and the crowd gets a bit louder, it gets me going as well.”
The South Africa captain maintained it is essential for his team to cash in on the home advantage.
“Everywhere you play around the world teams try and cash in on home ground advantage. It’s important for us to – not make it ridiculous – but to play to our strengths.
“That’s why touring is so difficult, especially to the subcontinent and there’s nothing wrong with that. They make pitches the way that they feel they’ve got the best chance to win. We’ve probably haven’t got it right in that last T20 and one or two of the ODIs but this wicket looks really good.”