Fresh faces boost battered Proteas
T20 SERIES: AB HOPES TO LEAD SPIRITED FIGHTBACK
Time for lesser lights to shine on the big stage.
AB de Villiers says he is excited to lead the Proteas in the threematch Twenty20 International series against England starting at the Ageas Bowl tonight.
De Villiers captains the team in the absence of Faf du Plessis – who has been rested for the series – and hopes to lead a spirited fightback after a tough few weeks in the UK.
He says the new faces in the squad have brought fresh energy and hunger following the disappointment of the ICC Champions Trophy, and sees the series as an opportunity for the inexperienced players to make an impact on the international stage.
“I’m excited to play in the three T20s,” he said yesterday. “It was a tough few days after being knocked out of the Champions Trophy; going through the phase of reflecting, hearing the criticism, which is never easy. I have always been a person to try and see the positive and the opportunity to improve, these three matches give me that opportunity as a player and as captain of the team.
“We have a few new faces here,” he added. “It’s great to work with some of the new players, it has always been one of my dreams to give back what I have learnt over the years. I’m getting that opportunity with some of the youngsters, it’s great to see the talent coming through.”
Both squads have rewarded domestic performances with the inclusion of some unfamiliar faces, which gives the series an exciting element of the unknown. The Proteas won the last T20 series between the two teams 2-0 in 2016.
Although the date of the next ICC World T20 tournament is yet to be confirmed, De Villiers says bilateral T20 series are important and relevant for the international game.
He believes the T20 Global League heading to South Africa in November and December will be another incentive to unearth potential stars.
“They are important,” he said of bilateral T20 series. “It’s important for the ICC and the franchise tournaments going on to get the right balance in the future for all players to feel they know where they are going with their careers. Franchise cricket played a huge role in my career, the IPL changed my life completely. It upped my skills as a player, as a youngster I got to know different conditions, played with some of my heroes.”
Today’s match start at 7.30pm (SA time).