South Africa hope their run of success in pink will continue when they play England in the fourth One-Day International at the Wanderers on Friday.
The Proteas have played in pink three times and won every one of those matches, which have been used as breast cancer awareness campaigns.
“It’s a great initiative,” said South Africa’s fast bowler, Kyle Abbott.
“I know that a lot of people have had friends or family that’s been affected by (cancer) so to go out there play and represent them it’s quite an honour. It’s not just another ODI there’s a much bigger picture attached and playing in pink is a very good reminder of that.”
Outside of the social initiative, the match is also a significant one in terms of the series, for a win for England would guarantee them a surprise series victory.
However, Abbott confirmed that South Africa is a more confident unit following their seven wicket win in Centurion on Tuesday and will want to ride that self-belief into the ‘Pink’ ODI on Friday.
“We played a pretty good game on Tuesday. Although they scored 300 we never felt that they got away from us. Looking back to the first ODI where we were going well when chasing 400 and going back to Tuesday where chased over 300, does give us a lot of confidence,” said Abbott.
South Africa has a very good record at the Wanderers having won 21 out of 28 One-day Internationals at the ‘Bullring.’ On the last three occasions they scored over 300 each time with Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers scoring five centuries between them.
De Villiers memorably set the world record for the fastest century against the West Indies last year, bringing up the landmark off 31 balls.
The challenges for the bowlers in particular are significant. “It’s a very good pitch,” said Abbott.
“The pace is usually consistent here. There will be a short side tomorrow, so we will have to manage that from a batting and bowling side, from a left and right hander’s perspective.
“Also there’s the altitude, the ball travels a lot further here, there are a few things to take into consideration.”