'It might sound obvious, but Steve Smith’s wicket will be the most important' - AB de Villiers previews SA vs AUS clash

Former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers claimed that ace batter Steve Smith's wicket will be crucial during the ODI World Cup match between Australia and South Africa. The two giants will square off in the tenth match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on October 12, Thursday.

De Villiers reckoned that Pat Cummins and Co. would be lacking in confidence following their defeat against India in their opening match, but a wounded team would be scary. Early wickets would be crucial for the Proteas, according to the illustrious wicketkeeper-batter, and they should get Smith to turn up the pace of the match. Notably, Smith was the top scorer for Australia in their first game, scoring 46 runs.

"The Aussies will be low on confidence after defeat to India, but a wounded Australia team is very dangerous. It will be crucial to pick up some early wickets to keep that pressure on, something we have not done too well recently," De Villiers wrote on ICC's website.

"It might sound obvious, but Steve Smith’s wicket will be the most important. He holds everything together for Australia and if we can get him out early, I am confident we can get the job done," the 39-year-old added.

This is a huge test for the bowling attack if South Africa want to be seen as real contenders: De Villiers

De Villiers also noted that, while the focus has been on the batters, the bowlers must also perform well if the Proteas is to be considered a serious contender,  given that they are missing some important players like Anrich Nortje. The former cricketer added that he spoke with star pacer Kagiso Rabada, who is determined to step up to the plate.

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"All the focus has been on the batters, but this is a huge test for the bowling attack if South Africa want to be seen as real contenders, especially without Anrich Nortje – no one knows how to get it done at World Cups like Australia."

"The loss of Nortje to injury is a real blow and means there is extra pressure on Kagiso Rabada to lead the attack. I spoke to him last week and he is determined to step up to the plate and lead by example as one of the best bowlers in the world," he concluded.