Spin to play key role in Proteas attack against Sri Lanka, says De Villiers

South African captain AB de Villiers has revealed that his team will be using new tactics in the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo on Saturday, with spin playing a key role in the strategy.

South Africa and Sri Lanka have played in 14 matches on the sub-continent, with Sri Lanka holding a firm advantage with 10 wins, Sport24 reports.

Backing the new three-pronged spin attack to deliver under conducive conditions, De Villiers said that although he still expected his seamers to be effective upfront, he believed that it is time that his men move into the mindset of playing two frontline spinners, especially during favourable conditions.

Stating that the team is looking into the option of going with two frontline spinners, De Villiers further said that with JP Duminy as another option, he is confident that they have the potential to win games with the help of a spin bowling department.

According to the skipper, the team has Claude Henderson as spin bowling coach, which is good for them as Henderson is very experienced and has brought a positive mindset to the team from a spin perspective.

Insisting that his troops are extremely motivated to improve on past results, De Villiers, however, said that he is aware that they are going to be challenged by a strong Sri Lankan team, although he added that this is the perfect opportunity for them to turn things with their potential and talent given that South Africa has not done well in Sri Lanka before.

De Villiers further said that his team has the required fire-power, adding that he is excited by the hunger for success that he can sense from the players.