Apart from being a top Test side, South Africa are also one of the leading international sides in one-day cricket. But, it wouldn’t be easy for the Proteas as they take on Sri Lanka in the three-match one-day series. Sri Lanka is the one place where South Africa have struggled over the years, not only in Tests, but also in ODIs even though their overall head-to-head record is much superior to that of Lanka. Also, Sri Lanka would be buoyed by their historic win in England. Even though it was in the Tests, the confidence gained would still be carried on into the ODIs against South Africa.
How tough the task will be for AB de Villiers as ODI skipper can be gauged from the fact that South Africa have won just two ODIs in Lanka in over 20 years, and that two decades apart. The first win was achieved in 1993, and the second as late as 2013. The Proteas have always been known to be weak players of spin, and their record in Sri Lanka is a clear illustration of their struggles against the slower ball. This is why the one-day series will be extremely important for South Africa, as they will have a big point to prove, as they make an effort to improve their record.
Apart from leading the team, there will be another kind of pressure on de Villiers. He was widely expected to be appointed the new Test captain following the early retirement of Graeme Smith. But, rather surprisingly Hashim Amla was elevated to the Test leadership ahead of de Villiers. The man who missed out has candidly admitted that he was disappointed at not being given the honour, as he had harboured hopes of leading the side in the format as well. So, de Villiers will have to put the distraction behind him, and look to put his best foot forward as ODI leader.
For the South Africans to do well in the series, a number of their senior players apart from de Villiers will have to stand up and deliver. Hashim Amla, for one, will also be under pressure, for he has been in the news more than ever after being anointed the Test leader. He has proved himself as an ODI player, but just like de Villiers, he will also have to get his focus back on the game following the latest developments. In fact, de Villiers and Amla together will have to usher in a new era in South Africa cricket, and efforts for the same should begin with the ODIs in Sri Lanka.
If South Africa want to end up doing well in the ODIs in the island nation, the performance of Faf du Plesis and JP Duminy will be crucial. Over the last few years, they have become inseparable components of the Proteas ODI outfit, and together can play a major role in leading South Africa’s resurgence in Sri Lanka. It also remains to be seen how veteran Jacques Kallis responds to the challenge. He is in the scheme of things for the 2015 World Cup. All said and done, the Proteas face a massive challenge.
--By A Cricket Analyst
