De Villiers rues costly mistakes

South African captain AB de Villiers was left wondering what might have been after the Proteas made a glut of mistakes in the field during their 32-run loss to Australia in the first One Day International (ODI) of the five-match series on Friday.
Whilst De Villiers was not happy with the amount of catches that were dropped – Australian vice-captain George Bailey was dropped four times during his knock of 70 – but appeared to be more ticked off by the amount of half-chances his side were unable to take advantage of.
"I personally have no problems with a dropped catch – it happens. I've dropped catches before," De Villiers said after the match.
"I'm more disappointed about the catches we pulled out of; the catches I want us to get a hand on. That's when I get frustrated.
"It's not the end of the world. But I do feel really bitter, though, because I really don't enjoy losing games."
However, the Proteas skipper admitted that his praise of their high standards in the field added undue pressure to the side.
"Maybe I made a mistake mentioning it in the media before – put too much emphasis on it," he added.
"I think I put a bit of pressure on the guys. So I'll try to pipe down a bit with that.
"We are putting in the right amount of work. Our fielding was way below par, so we'll have to fix that on Sunday."
De Villiers noted that the series against Australia is a major part of their preparation for next year’s World Cup, he maintained that the South Africans arrived Down Under with a series victory in mind.
"We are here to win the series, and I'm expecting a much better performance on Sunday," he said.
"We would like to come back from this now.
"I don't want us to go back home thinking, 'What could we have done differently?' I want us to fix it right now, and still win this series."
Latest
-
News
England coach Chris Silverwood grateful for gift of the Gabba
India’s famous win over Australia grabbed the England squad’s attention in Galle.
-
News
A look at unbeaten sporting runs following end of Australia’s Gabba dominance
Australia had not been beaten at the Gabba since 1988.
-
News
Justin Langer: Rishabh Pant’s innings reminded me of Ben Stokes at Headingley
India’s Shubman Gill and Pant inspired a record-breaking victory over Australia at the Gabba.
-
News
Tim Paine: India deserves winners, outplayed Australia
Australia captain Tim Paine has conceded that his side were outplayed in key moments of the series and that India were deserved winners.
-
News
Rishabh Pant reflects on ‘dream series’ after India stun Australia at the Gabba
India’s Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant inspired a record-breaking victory at the Gabba.
-
News
India move to the top of ICC rankings
After beating Australia by three wickets in the fourth Test on Tuesday, India moved to the number spot on the ICC World Test Championship.
-
News
Rishabh Pant unbeaten 89 steers India to series win over Australia
India pulled off a record run chase at the Gabba to inflict Australia’s first defeat there since 1988.
-
News
Joe Root shares victory call with fan who waited 10 months for team to arrive
England’s Test captain spoke with Rob Lewis, who has been in Sri Lanka since March, from a distance.
-
News
5 of the best England wins on the sub-continent
Joe Root’s side were convincing winners in the first Test in Sri Lanka.
-
News
Sarah Taylor: Cricket had to fade away but I’m happy
Taylor has not played the game since retiring from England duty in September 2019.