I want to improve during this series against England, says AB de Villiers

After a forgettable campaign in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2017, South Africa faces a chance of redemption against England in a three-match T20 International series. The Proteas skipper AB de Villiers, who has been scrutinized for his performance with the bat, sees that series against England as an opportunity for the South African unit.

After winning the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998, South Africa are yet to win a 50-over tournament in ICC tournament. Despite having an outstanding batting and bowling attack, South Africa could only manage to register a win against Sri Lanka in their group games.

“It was a tough few days after the Champions Trophy, to go through that phase of reflecting and to hear some of the criticism. It’s never easy but I have always been the kind of guy to see the positive in that and see an opportunity to improve. These three matches give me that opportunity as a player and as a captain for the team,” de Villiers told ahead of the three-match series opener in Southampton.

De Villiers has had a lean patch in the Champions Trophy, but he insists that he is in good touch and simply was a victim of poor luck in three matches, the right-handed batsman could only manage 20 runs.

“I don’t feel like I need to prove anyone wrong or prove something to someone. I just want to go play,” he said.

Ahead of the Champions Trophy, South Africa suffered a 2-1 loss to England in a three-match ODI series.

“I feel like a youngster starting my career again. I am really full of energy and love playing. I just want to score some runs again and captain the team to a few good wins. I feel like I am playing very well. There’s nothing wrong with my form. The results are not showing,” he concluded.