5 Proteas to watch out for in the ODI series v India

5 Proteas to watch out for in the ODI series v India: Having secured the T20I series by comprehensive margin of 2-0 the South Africans will be looking to continue their good work in the ODI series. India will be on the backfoot right from the start since the momentum is with the visitors and with their touring record Proteas won’t be easy to deal with even in the One-day format. South Africa have a list of quality players in their team and everyone is a match winner in himself. 1. Abraham Benjamin de Villiers: (Photo Source: BCCI) ‘AB’ de Villiers, as he is fondly known, is a kind of batsman who can single-handedly win a match for his team. Currently, the Top ranked batsman in ODI cricket, his dazzling footwork, and amazing hand-eye coordination make him unpredictable yet unbeatable. A nightmare for the bowlers and captains alike, his temperament and ability to pace the innings are secondary to none. A look at his ODI record fully justifies him being considered as one of the greatest to have ever played the game. Having played 190 ODIs, he has scored 8045 runs at an average of 53.27. His strike rate of 99.16 is enough to suggest the kind of impact he can have. A brilliant fielder and wicketkeeper, his captaincy will also be critical to SA chances of winning the series. AB now holds the records for fastest 50, 100 and 150 in ODIs, has scored 47 half-centuries and 20 hundreds. He must surely be looking forward to stamp his authority on batting friendly pitches of India. 2. Hashim Mohammad Amla: Hashim Amla (© Getty Images) An elegant stroke-player blessed with the temperament to make the most of his talent, Hashim Amla is often considered a run-machine and rightly so. His subtle wrists and compact back-foot allow him to stand up tall and play delightful strokes on either side of the wickets. With a tailor-made technique for the pitches of the subcontinent, Amla will enjoy batting in India. Currently ranked the number 2 batsman in ODI cricket by the ICC, he holds the world record of being the fastest to score 5,000 ODI runs, in just 101 innings. Having played 121 ODIs, he has scored 5919 runs at an average of 54.30. With 21 hundreds and 28 half-centuries, indicative of an exemplary conversion rate, the Indians will have their task cut out in trying to keep him quiet. In a team filled with stroke-players, Amlas calming influence has helped SA win many matches. 3. David Andrew Miller: (Photo Source: BCCI) A renowned power-hitter, David Miller is no stranger to Indian conditions. Having played some of the most astonishing knocks in the IPL, Miller plays the role of a finisher in the SA batting line up. A look at his ODI record suggests he still hasn’t achieved the kind of success he would have hoped for; if there is one place though where he can have a huge impact, it’s got to be India. Short boundaries, flat decks and fast outfields are the kind of conditions he relishes. Miller has scored 1745 runs at an average of 36.35 from 77 ODIs. The striking feature is his strike rate which is 100.81. The ODI series is expected to be a closely-fought one and may witness some nerve-racking finishes. Miller’s ability to hit sixes at ease may prove crucial not just in run chases but also in setting up big totals for the Proteas. 4. Dale Willem Steyn: Dale Steyn. (© Getty Images) Often referred to as ‘Steyn Gun’, enough to indicate his speed, this great fast bowler generates the kind of excitement and drama that makes fast bowling a sight to behold. An ability to bowl consistently at 140 kmph and above, a lethal outswinger, a sharp bouncer and an ability to surprise the batsmen with a ball that nips in make him a complete fast bowler. With 165 wickets from 107 ODIs at an economy rate of only 4.81 runs per over and a strike rate of 32.2 proves why he is one the very best in the business. His experience of playing in the subcontinent will and valuable inputs and should be of great help for the likes of Kyle Abbott and Kagiso Rabada; two fine fast bowlers with relatively less experience of bowling in the subcontinent. Having played 13 ODIs against India he has picked up 24 wickets at an economy rate of 4.63 runs per over; enough to suggest that he has kept the Indian batsmen in check. How the India batsmen handle his opening spells may well determine the outcome of most matches. 5. Mohammad Imran Tahir: (Photo Source: BCCI) Known around the cricketing world as Imran Tahir, this attacking leg-spinner is currently the Top ranked bowler in ODI cricket by the ICC. He was one of the most successful bowlers in the 2015 edition of the IPL and has the skills to trouble the Indian batsmen. A quick googly, subtle variations in pace, a sharp leg spin and an attacking intent have made him a match winning bowler. Tahir has played 44 ODIs and has picked up 77 wickets at an economy rate of just 4.36 runs per over. Add to this a strike rate of 29.81 and one understands why he is often considered a game changing bowler. A bowler who is never short of exuberant celebrations, his energy levels usually lift the overall mood in the SA side. He has all the attributes which make leg spinners a treat to watch and leg spin bowling an art to admire.