Port Elizabeth: South Africa talisman AB de Villiers has declared himself fit for the challenge of day-night Test ahead of the one-off match against Zimbabwe at St George’s Park here, beginning Tuesday.
It will be the first Test appearance in almost two years for the 33-year-old, who had taken time off from the longer version of game while continuing to dominate bowlers in limited overs. However, the game will be crucial for ABD, more so because what follows is a tough Test series against India.
“I pride myself in the fact that I can adapt to certain conditions and formats,” De Villiers told reporters as the Proteas prepare for the first ever-four day match, also the maiden Test to be played under lights in South Africa. “I have worked hard on my game over the last six months. I feel more ready than ever to take the challenges a Test has to offer.”
De Villiers allayed fears about the stiff lower back that kept him out of the three-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe in Paarl and was looking forward to a fruitful outing.
“I want to contribute. I want to play knocks, have my say in the field with my experience and take some catches that can win games of cricket,” asserted the man whom most bowlers in the world dread to bowl.
South Africa will host India for three Tests in January before their four-Test series against Australia in March and April. The experienced batsman informed that the side are aiming to top the Test rankings.
“We would like to be No.1 in the world, we are not far away. We know if we win a few series in the next three months against tough oppositions we can achieve that,” De Villiers pointed out.
“We will take it one step at a time, it will be a nice target to achieve, to be the No.1 team in the world and to maintain it for a few years,” the former South Afican captain added.
Reuters