De Villiers optimistic about the future

Castle Lager Proteas captain, AB de Villiers, is optimistic about the Test’s team future despite the current run of poor performances. While injuries and poor form to key players have hampered the team’s progress this summer, De Villiers says there is enough depth to take the team forward but some patience and time to allow players to settle into their roles will be important going forward. He was addressing the media at SuperSport Park in Centurion, where the Proteas wrapped up their preparation for the fourth Sunfoil Test against England starting on Friday.It’s the first time in nearly five years that the Proteas have gone through a series without the services of Dale Steyn or Vernon Philander, but De Villiers believes the inexperienced attack will be better off by ‘learning in the hardest possible way’, which is in the field.The skipper has asked for more consistency from his players, especially when the opposition is under pressure, an area they have struggled with this series. He confirmed that Stephen Cook would make his debut in the opening slot, and that a decision on the spinner and a bowler with ‘better control’ would be made later this evening.