Return of AB de Villiers for the 'Pink ODI' will be a massive boost, says JP Duminy

After the second Test at Centurion, Indian Team has looked a different side altogether. Winning the third Test, and carrying the much-needed ‘momentum’ from there on has been nothing short of phenomenal. From chasing with ease in the opener, to outclass the opposition in the most obnoxious way in next two games shows the stature this Indian Team carries. With this, Skipper Virat Kohli and his troops have taken an unassailable lead of 3-0, and are raring to clinch a limited-overs series in South Africa for the first time.

In the third one-day International, the only good thing happened to South Africa was JP Duminy. The all-rounder has shown the world yet again that form is temporary and class is permanent. Picking all-important two wickets upfront and scoring a quickfire fifty while batting at all-important number three spot tell his DNA is still moving in the right direction, when it comes to cricketing skills.

Speaking to media after suffering a humiliating loss against the visitors, Duminy believes that Proteas can bounce back in this series, and the team has the fortitude to square the series. He also believes that ‘Pink ODI’ which is scheduled to take place on 10th February will witness the pillar of South African batting lineup AB de Villiers who has the ability to boost the morale of the team.

AB de Villiers Back will be a massive boost

He said, “Having AB de Villiers back is going to be a massive boost for us,’ said Duminy. ‘He’s one of the world’s best in one-day cricket. So yes, he will bring confidence to the team and no doubt his leadership in the group will add a lot of value for us. The series is not lost yet and that should be a big enough motivator to come back and try to revive the series.”

He further appreciated men-in-blue who were able to assess the conditions better. “What India has done really well is to assess the conditions, in terms of what they need to do, and the speed and length they need to bowl. They haven’t made it easy for us to get runs and a lot of us haven’t picked up their googlies.”

“The key is to try to be positive.  When you don’t pick up their wrong ‘uns, you are not going to be comfortable at the crease and will always be a bit tentative. Once we become comfortable with picking up their deliveries, then we can play with confidence and play with freedom. We need to find a way to get that right,” he concluded.

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