Proteas have copped unfair criticism, won't write them off for WTC final: AB de Villiers

South Africa qualifies for WTC final for the first time, facing Australia, despite criticism and changes in team.

AB de Villiers feels the criticism that has come South Africa's way has been unwarranted and they have rather done well to reach the WTC final despite experiencing "so many changes" in the last three to five years.

South Africa have qualified for the WTC final for the first time and will face favourites Australia at Lord's in June.

The Proteas did draw a two-match series against India at home but didn't play the other leading Test sides like Australia and England. Their board was severely criticised for sending a team full of rookies to New Zealand as the senior players had to be made available for the SA20 back home.

“The Proteas in the last few years have taken a little bit of unfair criticism, in my opinion. You've got to keep in mind all the changes that has happened in the last three to five years,” de Villiers told the media on the sidelines of SA20 third season.

“A lot of experienced players retiring, a lot of coaching staff moving on. There's been a lot of changes, a lot of young faces, fresh faces coming in. Two new coaches, Shukri Conrad doing the Test team, Rob Walter with the white ball cricket.

“There's a lot of new things, and still they qualified for the T20 World Cup final, (and) that in the WTC final. It is actually incredible and I feel they deserve a lot more credit for achieving this,” he said.

De Villiers said the current Proteas side will need more time and travelling experience to attain the consistency which Graeme Smith's team enjoyed in the past.