Proteas keen to make AB’s 100 memorable

BENGALURU: As the euphoria surrounding AB de Villiers 100th Test appearance gradually increased, South African skipper Hashim Amla said the hype around the milestone proves no distraction for the team's prospects and hoped the flamboyant batsman could mark his remarkable feat by helping the tourists post a win.
“No, it does not a distraction. As a team, we all enjoy the fact that AB is playing his hundredth game.As a South African, we know that this is an amazing feat. We've all celebrated the occasion, and hopefully, he gets into the park tomorrow and wins the game for us - that will be the ideal match for him and us,” Amla said.
The Proteas captain said the celebration is helping the team leave behind the memories of their disappointing first Test defeat and focus on the game ahead. “Having lost the previous match, obviously it is not difficult for us to focus on this match. It's been great to have something to celebrate, but in terms of taking our focus away, no I don't think so,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amla's Indian counterpart Virat Kohli congratulated De Villiers and regarded his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate as a tough competitor and a best a human being. “I want to congratulate him on playing his 100th Test. As an individual, I know him well. He's a very genuine and good person,” Kohli said.
“As an opponent he plays hard cricket. As a batsman, he's among the top batsmen in the world. I cannot say much more than that. His game and the kind of person he is are there for all to see. For me, he's a very good cricketer and a very good person,” he added.