South Africa and England ready to attack from the off

AB de VILLIERS prefers to play in an aggressive manner and with a series victory in sight Alastair Cook wants his England to show attacking intent. That will make for heck of a Test match at a venue where the game flows quickly.

In between reflecting on his own future, De Villiers also indicated that he’d like his side to show off the energy which has been around the camp this week – his first period as Test captain.

De Villiers plays the game spontaneously and always with an attacking intent. That should be reflected in how the team plays too, with him wanting the players to get in the faces of the Englishmen. Not through sledging, for that is not his way. “I like for the team to have good body language to be in (the opposition’s) face in that way and to really make them feel uncomfortable. To remind them that they are away from home and not them enjoying the pound/rand currency difference going on at the moment too much,” he said.

As One-Day skipper De Villiers has produced some awe-inspiring performances and his mantra of leading from the front is one that he’ll bring to his leadership in the five-day format too.

“I like to lead by example. It makes my job a lot easier when you go out there and do things the way you want the team to. I’m more motivated with the added responsibility. I enjoy people doubting me, that motivates me to do better. The nice thing about captaincy is that you are completely focussed on the team and your personal performance is put aside.”

In keeping with that attacking philosophy De Villiers hinted yesterday that in the choice between Hardus Viljoen and Kyle Abbott as the fourth member of an all-seam attack, he favoured the former. Viljoen certainly had his skipper hopping about in the nets this week, and making De Villiers look uncomfortable takes some doing – it seems it struck a chord.

“There are a few exciting things happening with regard team selection. Hardus Viljoen … bowls at a very good pace, has good control and he’s taken two 10 wicket hauls here for his franchise.”