AB de Villiers says the One-Day International series against India is an opportunity for his side to build some consistency in results and form.

The squad followed their disappointing 2-1 series loss to Bangladesh with a 2-1 win against New Zealand at home, and will need to compete at their best to dent India’s proud record at home.

‘We are a pretty settled ODI team,’ De Villiers said at the pre-match press conference in Kanpur on Saturday.

‘We are trying one or two positions here and there but it has been a similar type of feel that we have had over the last three years. I like the consistency in our selection and players growing in their roles and positions. I feel the team is in a really good place, if we play good cricket this series we have a good chance of beating India.’

The captain is excited to have the services of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel to bolster the pace attack, with the latter set to play in his 10oth  ODI match for South Africa.

‘It’s nice to have Dale and Morne back,’ he said. ‘They bring great experience and energy to the team, I’m excited to see them bowl. They are looking in really good form.

‘We have a very balanced bowling attack,’ De Villiers added. ‘We don’t rely too much on the spinners or the seamers. We have fire power in both departments and we have seen that over the last few years. We have a lot of pace, guys who can swing it, move it off the seam and good variation of spinners. I feel that we cover all of the bases.’

De Villiers says the conditions at Green Park in Kanpur resemble those of a ‘good cricket wicket’ , but is prepared to adapt should they differ on the day.

‘I don’t think spin has been the theme of the series so far,’ he admitted. ‘Our seamers have won the games but in saying that India have really good spinners in their team and we expect the wickets to get slower and turn as we go on in the series. We are preparing for a normal cricket game, we will assess the conditions again when we get to the ground and try to expose India in certain areas.’