AB de Villiers wants a fast start in the first of three Tests against the West Indies, beginning in Centurion on Wednesday. 

‘We want to come into the game with a bang and make them feel very far away from home,’ De Villiers said at a press conference in Pretoria.

‘We are mature enough to step it up. We know what’s expected of us. The way the senior players lead the team is about working hard in the nets and walking around with confidence.’

South Africa are top of the Test rankings, while West Indies are sitting in eighth position on the rankings.

The West Indies have only recorded one Test victory in South Africa – in Port Elizabeth in 2007.

De Villiers said if the Proteas were to bat first, they would play with a measured approach at the bowler friendly venue.

‘Centurion has always been a ground where you take your time in the first hour or two and earn your right to score quickly.

‘Between 3pm and 4pm is a time when the wicket gets flatter and that’s when you cash in.’

With the selection of the bowling line-up, De Villiers said it was a consideration to go with an all-pace attack.

Fast bowlers Steyn, Morkel, Philander and Abbott should all play. But if South Africa chose to go without a spinner, it could mean a debut for 19- year old prodigy Kagiso Rabada.

‘It’s the biggest decision that management will have to make as Centurion doesn’t turn that much.

‘An option is to go with that extra seamer. But it might also not be a bad idea to play a spinner.’

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