AB on his Chennai ton: ‘I never felt in’
South Africa ODI captain and star batsman AB de Villiers says he wasn't comfortable at the crease during the fourth ODI against India, despite scoring a century, and that the spinning deck got to the Proteas.
De Villiers made 112 runs off 107 balls during South Africa's chase of 300, but his effort was not enough to see his side take the series, as the rest of the batting order succumbed the India's wiles. India won by 35 runs to level the series.
De Villiers, no stranger to Chennai due his time in the IPL, said after the game that he felt out of touch, and that Virat Kohli, who made 138 for India, played the better knock and read the conditions well.
De Villiers said: "It was a pretty tough wicket to play on, I thought Virat assessed the conditions very well earlier today and scored a fantastic century.
"Thought we were in the game but lost wickets at the wrong time and unfortunately couldn't cross the line.
"I never felt in, it was a really tough innings for me, the ball was really turning a lot and that made it very hard for us."
The pitch was a tough one to bat on, certainly, but Proteas coach Russell Domingo wasn't worried about it, and was pleased with the decks that had been presented on the tour to date.
Domingo said: "Look, this ground has got a history of the ball spinning. It's not such an easy ground to chase. If you look at the history, not many high scores have been chased so I wouldn't say concerned.
"They are a quality bowling side and they bowled well under the conditions, you have to give them credit for that.
"We pride ourselves as guys who play spin really well. If you look at the history of our side, we have gone to places and performed really well against spin and we are expecting the wickets to be similar to this in the Test matches.
"They pose a great challenge for us and it's something we are really excited about taking on. We want to beat some of the best sides in their conditions and it's an opportunity for us to do that so we know it's going to be tough, but we'll be well prepared for it."
Latest
-
NewsKumar Sangakkara confirms possible IPL clash for England stars
Stokes, Archer and Buttler could miss Test duty to stay with Rajasthan Royals.
-
NewsMark Wood: England seamers are thinking pink ahead of day/night Test
England’s seam attack have seen the ball swing and bounce during net sessions in Ahmedabad.
-
NewsTash Farrant: ECB pro deal gave me fresh lease of life
The left-armer is making her international comeback in New Zealand.
-
NewsWhen Virat Kohli felt like the ‘loneliest guy in the world’
India captain Virat Kohli has shed some light on a time in his career where he felt like the “loneliest guy in the world”.
-
NewsJonny Bairstow says IPL stints can improve England players
In years gone by the IPL presented a major bone of contention for players like Kevin Pietersen and the ECB.
-
NewsEngland all-rounder Moeen Ali joins Chennai Super Kings in 2021 IPL auction
Moeen found himself at the centre of a battle for his services.
-
NewsGlenn Maxwell joins his dream team after IPL auction bidding war
Glenn Maxwell will get to share a dressing room with his idol AB de Villiers when the 2021 IPL gets underway.
-
NewsIndia stars make rankings charge after mammoth win
India’s second Test heroes have been rewarded with progress in the latest ICC Test rankings.
-
NewsChris Silverwood apologises over way Moeen Ali’s departure was communicated
It has been established that Moeen is merely taking his own allocated break period.
-
News‘The decision was ours’ – Chris Silverwood clarifies reason for Moeen Ali exit
Captain Joe Root said in a post-match press conference on Tuesday that the all-rounder had “chosen” to leave the tour of India.