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Cape Town - Star Proteas batsman AB de Villiers was pleased to contribute and score a century for Northerns in his comeback cricket match after recovering from an elbow injury.
De Villiers, 32, scored an unbeaten 134 off 103 balls (19 fours, 3 sixes) against Easterns in a Provincial One-Day Challenge 50-over match in Benoni on Sunday in what was his first innings since July last year.
De Villiers shared an unbeaten 106 third-wicket partnership with Grant Thomson to steer Northerns to an eight-wicket victory.
The Proteas ODI skipper said that his knock was essential with the upcoming Sri Lankan ODI series and the Champions Trophy looming ahead.
"I think it's crucial to play some cricket before you step into the international scene," De Villiers was quoted as saying on the Titans' YouTube channel.
"I always respect the game, any bowler at any given time can get you out so I respected the opposition (Easterns). I played within myself, but it was crucial to get a hit.
"I tried to take it one ball at a time, I thought both my partners (Victor Mahlangu and Thomson) batted really well - we understood each other really well. But I really enjoy ODI cricket, it keeps me on my toes."
De Villiers spoke about his decision to only focus on the one-day game for now.
"I've not been frustrated at all (over the injuries)," said De Villiers.
"When you get injured once in a while, it's something you can't control, but the last few years I've felt that my priorities have changed - soon going to be a father of two - travelling around 300 days a year can be tough.
"But I'm still very motivated to do well for South African cricket and to hopefully bring that World Cup back in 2019 and there's a Champions Trophy around the corner."
De Villiers will play in the third T20I against Sri Lanka at Newlands on Wednesday (18:00 SA time).
WATCH full interview below:
