South Africa batsman AB de Villiers expressed satisfaction over visitors preparation for the second Test to be held at Leeds © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
London: Jul 29, 2012
South Africa vice-captain AB de Villiers is confident of his side maintaining the momentum in the upcoming second Test against England at Leeds, starting Sunday.
He said, “We know they (England) are going to come out harder.”
“We sometimes put too much emphasis on it, it’s a matter of just going out and playing the same kind of cricket that we played in the first Test match,” De Villiers was quoted by Sports24.
South Africa drubbed England in the first Test at Kennington Oval by an innings and 12 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series.
The right-handed batsman, who replaced the injured Mark Boucher as a make-shift wicket-keeper expressed satisfaction over his side’s preparation with a warm-up match against Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
The two-day match ended in a draw with South Africa reaching 67 for four in their second innings, in reply to Worcestershire’s 245. The African side declared their first innings at 237 for nine.
“It was a little bit disjointed but individually the guys got out of it what they wanted to, it was great preparation for Headingley,” De Villiers said.
“The guys that didn’t bat in the previous Test got a chance to get out there and bat a bit, the bowlers got a nice run.”
The English camp, despite mauling in the series opener is confident of a comeback. The hosts have announced one change in their squad after their struggle in the first Test.
James Taylor will replace Ravi Bopara, who is unavailable for selection for personal reasons.
