BATTING COACH TOP OF DE VILLIERS’S WISH LIST
Proteas out to restore pride with Test win
CAPTAIN AB de Villiers said yesterday that he would like to see “a few smart heads” involved in the SA team’s backup staff.
De Villiers said on the eve of the fourth and final Test against England that he was keen to remain captain but he wanted to have discussions about strengthening the coaching staff before South Africa’s next Test series against New Zealand in August.
England go into today’s clash at SuperSport Park 2-0 up in the series.
“I am keen to play a big role going forward but it’s not solely my decision,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of talent come through. We just need to get a bit of experience and a few smart heads involved.”
He wants to meet Cricket SA chief executive Haroon Lorgat and convener of selectors Linda Zondi “to find out exactly where we are going to go”.
There has been criticism of the lack of hard experience in the SA coaching setup and in particular the lack of a batting coach.
De Villiers agreed that a batting coach was a priority.
“I think we have been a bit naïve in believing we can just go on in the way we have been. We need to get a bit of advice and help, not only from a batting coach, a few other areas as well. That will all be discussed after the series.”
De Villiers also said he was keen to win the final Test.
“We haven’t won a Test match for 12 months. We are rebuilding a bit and trying to find our feet but it’s time for us to wake up and play proper cricket.”
The skipper confirmed that specialist opening batsman Stephen Cook would be in the team and hinted that steady seamer Kyle Abbott and off-spinner Dane Piedt would come back into the side. –