Proteas not writing off India - JP

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 04: JP Duminy fields during the South African national cricket team training session and press conference at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on December 04, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 04: JP Duminy fields during the South African national cricket team training session and press conference at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on December 04, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images)

Published Dec 6, 2013

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Durban – Proteas' batsman JP Duminy insists it will be folly to write off India after just one game following their series opening victory in the first one-day cricket international in Johannesburg.

South Africa crushed the world number one side by a massive 141 runs at the Wanderers on Thursday, and touched down in Durban earlier on Friday ahead of the second game at Kingsmead on Sunday.

“It will be naive of us to write them off,” he told reporters at the team hotel in Umhlanga, north of the city.

“There were some bumps and bruises, but like I said, it will be stupid of us to write them off.

“You only get to the top of the world rankings by putting in continuous performances like they've done, and I'm sure come Sunday they're going to bounce back, which we'll have to be prepared for.

“We're going to have to put in another big performance to make sure we go 2-0 up.”

Rising star Quinton de Kock, who recorded his second ODI century, captain AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Duminy all contributed with the bat as the hosts amassed 358 for four, before the world champions were bundled out for 217 in 41 overs after three wickets apiece from Dale Steyn and Ryan McLaren.

It was a totally transformed display from the one South Africa had put on in their recent 2-1 home series loss to Pakistan.

“Yes, the guys were really geared up for the challenge yesterday,” Duminy said.

“Beating India was going to be a challenge, especially with the form they brought into the series.

“So we were pretty fired up to start the series well, especially with a short three-game series. We're pretty pleased to have done that.”

The Indians came to the country on the back of series wins over West Indies, Australia and England at the start of the year.

“I think if you don't have that desire in each and every game, then you're probably playing the wrong sport,” Duminy said.

“There are going to be days when it's not as hyped up.... It's just about making sure you give your 100 per cent throughout the game.” – Sapa

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