We're keen to win Test series in India, says De Villiers

The enterprising right-hander, who will turn 26 on Wednesday, was full of beans two days before the final Test against India beginning on Sunday, symbolising the quiet confidence permeating through the South African ranks following their innings victory in Nagpur. “We are in a good space at the moment and the guys are keen to go out and win a Test series in India,” De Villiers said on Friday afternoon. “Team spirit is great, we had a wonderful training session, and our focus is to win a Test match.”

De Villiers was asked if the class of 2010 was more balanced than the team of 2008. “ wouldn’t say so,” he replied. “We’re playing some good cricket. Cricket is all about momentum and confidence, and we got some confidence coming from Johannesburg (where they beat England) to the last Test match at Nagpur. We’ve won two in a row. We are a well balanced side, we were a well balanced side in 2008 as well.”

Looking forward to the prospect of playing at the Eden Gardens, he gushed, “It’s amazing, it’s a great experience to play cricket over here. It’s one of those grounds you want to tick off as having played on in your career. MCG is one, Lord’s is another, and definitely Eden Gardens is a special ground to play cricket on. It’s my first Test here, and I’m looking forward to a great experience. The crowds are always amazing over here, so we are expecting a noisy Test match. Hopefully they’ll get behind their team, and hopefully that’ll bring the best out in us.”

The Eden pitch has attracted much scrutiny over the past few days. “There’s a bit of grass but I’m sure they’ll take off a bit in the next 48 hours. We have no control over that; we are not very worried about the pitch.”