Clean sweep will be ‘crazy’, says AB
Recently-retired star AB de Villiers has watched every game of the Sri Lankan tour on TV and said yesterday that the Proteas’ ODI series win at the weekend was proof they still have a wonderful vibe within the squad, plus they have managed to groom some fringe players with an eye on next year’s World Cup.
“I was pretty worried after the Tests that it could turn into a long tour for them, but I always thought that it looked like they were still having fun and they have turned things around very well. It shows what a great team spirit and culture there is in the squad. A 5-0 win is now on the cards, which would be a crazy achievement over there,” De Villiers told The Citizen yesterday.
“The other big thing is that they have been able to give players exposure and the experience those youngsters have gained of ODI cricket, you can’t measure how vital that is. They will really feel part of the squad, which is so important, because there are guys that can feel a bit left out in a World Cup squad and this will ensure that won’t happen.”
The news yesterday that captain Faf du Plessis injured the rotator cuff tendons in his troublesome right shoulder during the third ODI, and has been ruled out of the rest of the tour, means another opportunity for either Heinrich Klaasen or Aiden Markram to play in the last two matches.
Reeza Hendricks is one of those new faces who was given an opportunity and his call-up for the third ODI resulted in a splendid century on 50-over debut for the Proteas, playing a key role in the 78-run victory that secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
“I never thought about getting a hundred on debut, it’s a very special feeling and even more important to have contributed to the team. The openers gave us a good start and batting with Hashim Amla, he had a calming effect which meant I was relaxed at the crease and just able to go out and enjoy myself,” said Hendricks.
“I hope it’s the start for me, that I’m able to score many more hundreds going forward, it’s an unexplainable, incredible feeling. I’m over the moon.”