‘We’re still number one and will play like it’
South Africa captain De Villiers raring to rectify first Test loss to Pakistan.
“It’s a must-win game for us and we’re going in there with that attitude to win that game. We’re still the number one team in the world and we are going to play like it, De Villiers. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
DUBAI:
Star batsman AB de Villiers expressed his confidence yesterday that South Africa can rectify the problems which led to their defeat against Pakistan in the first Test last week.
Speaking ahead of the second Test starting tomorrow, the 29-year-old admitted South Africa were disappointed to lose by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi.
“The mood is good, we’ve moved on from the disappointing performance,” said De Villiers after team practice. “Obviously we were hurt quite a bit after the Test, we haven’t played cricket like that in a long time and we were very, very disappointed.
“It’s a must-win game for us and we’re going in there with that attitude to win that game. We’re still the number one team in the world and we are going to play like it.”
To add to South Africa’s batting problems, first Test centurion Hashim Amla may not be available for the second Test as the reliable batsman returned home for the birth of his second child. Left-hander Dean Elgar is likely to replace Amla.
Dale Steyn also suffered a back problem, but De Villiers believes the paceman will recover.
He praised Pakistan’s bowling, led by off-spinner Saeed Ajmal who finished with four for 74 in the second innings.
“I thought they bowled quite well with clever plans. But then again few soft dismissals including myself, you never know what could have happened,” said De Villiers, referring to his bizarre run out in the first innings.
South Africa may also look at their spin option, replacing leg-spinner Imran Tahir for left-arm spinner Robin Peterson who finished wicket-less in the first Test.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2013.
Star batsman AB de Villiers expressed his confidence yesterday that South Africa can rectify the problems which led to their defeat against Pakistan in the first Test last week.
Speaking ahead of the second Test starting tomorrow, the 29-year-old admitted South Africa were disappointed to lose by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi.
“The mood is good, we’ve moved on from the disappointing performance,” said De Villiers after team practice. “Obviously we were hurt quite a bit after the Test, we haven’t played cricket like that in a long time and we were very, very disappointed.
“It’s a must-win game for us and we’re going in there with that attitude to win that game. We’re still the number one team in the world and we are going to play like it.”
To add to South Africa’s batting problems, first Test centurion Hashim Amla may not be available for the second Test as the reliable batsman returned home for the birth of his second child. Left-hander Dean Elgar is likely to replace Amla.
Dale Steyn also suffered a back problem, but De Villiers believes the paceman will recover.
He praised Pakistan’s bowling, led by off-spinner Saeed Ajmal who finished with four for 74 in the second innings.
“I thought they bowled quite well with clever plans. But then again few soft dismissals including myself, you never know what could have happened,” said De Villiers, referring to his bizarre run out in the first innings.
South Africa may also look at their spin option, replacing leg-spinner Imran Tahir for left-arm spinner Robin Peterson who finished wicket-less in the first Test.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2013.