DeVilliers sends out pace warning

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DeVilliers sends out pace warning

South Africa's AB de Villiers feels Australia should be wary of his side's pace attack ahead of the three-Test series between the two countries.

De Villiers has the best view of his country's bowlers from his place behind the stumps, and while he said the likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander shouldn't be feared, they should certainly be respected.
"They're just a classy bowling attack," De Villiers said today.
"We've got variation, which is probably key.
"Each bowler is so different - Dale's the swing bowler, Morne gets a lot of bounce and Vern just nips it around like Pigeon (Glenn McGrath) used to for the Aussies."
South Africa's wicketkeeper has struggled with a persistent back injury, but some time off from the game in the lead-up to the series has left him feeling refreshed.
"It's always been an issue and rest is really important for me," De Villiers said.
"So I've had my few weeks of rest at home and I'm ready to go again."
While De Villiers has spent some time behind the stumps during the shorter formats of the game, he has only recently taken the gloves from the retired Mark Boucher in Test cricket.
It's a role De Villiers enjoys, but he admitted he still has some learning to do.
"It's something that I'm really looking forward to doing in the next few years, hopefully," De Villiers said.
"I had a nice chat with Gary (Kirsten, South Africa coach) and it's something that I really want to improve on, the wicketkeeping."
They might be the number one-ranked side in Test cricket, but the Proteas aren't about to take the challenge from Australia lightly.
"We've got a fair idea of the brand of cricket the Aussies play," De Villiers said.
"We know they're a very good side, especially at home.
"They're just an all-round good team led by Clarkey (Michael Clarke) who's a very good captain.
"We're going to have to be up for it. We've got enough days to prepare really well, we've got a good warm-up game against Australia A which will be a competitive game for us and ideal preparation going into a big series."
The first Test begins on November 9 at the Gabba.