(UDHAYAM, CAPE TOWN) – South African skipper AB de Villiers says the Sri Lankan contingent is a bunch of motivated young players.
de Villiers returned from seven months out with an elbow injury in the Third and final Twenty20 International, that Sri Lanka won, and now takes charge of the one-day squad.
De Villiers speaking at St. George’s Park‚ where the five-match ODI series starts today said “We know now they are a very motivated group of young players. I have been part of one or two groups of youngsters so I know that feeling of motivation”.
However de Villiers added even though South Africa is more talented and more skillful and a better group of players than Sri Lanka‚ the visitors are dangerous at the moment.
He said “being very motivated with lots of young talent that can come good at certain times. We are very aware of that and we know we are going to have played some good cricket to beat them.”
The South African side has won 13 of their last 17 matches and five of their last six series.
Commenting on South Africa’s performances de Villiers said the team is in a really good space claiming it is evident in the way they play.
Everyone except Lungi Ngidi, who was ruled out with a hip injury, will be part of the ODI squad.
De Villiers‚ however‚ was able to see the silver lining of South Africa’s depth in what will be a dark cloud for Ngidi.
The skipper said “It’s amazing how it always keeps happening. That talent just keeps coming through so I am very excited and positive about our cricket going forward.”
Sri Lanka however will be without skipper Angelo Mathews who injured a hamstring during the second T20.
