Headingley, May 18: South Africa One-Day International (ODI) skipper AB de Villiers on Thursday (May 18) said he is desperate to win the ICC Champions Trophy and that the Proteas are a very good team this time.

"We know these tournaments are very competitive - there are eight teams that want to win it and can win it. But we do think we've got a very good squad here. I've got a good feeling about this one," he added.

South Africa will take part in a three-match Royal London ODI Series against England starting at Headingley next Wednesday.

"It's a very nice way for us to warm up and get ready for a big one-day tournament," de Villiers said after the Proteas had their first practice in Hove.

"But first things first, we want to win the series against England, a team that's been playing very good one-day cricket in their own country. They've done really well to come back from the 2015 World Cup. They're obviously a very talented bunch, and they've earned a lot of respect.

"They will be one of the favourites for the Champions Trophy definitely, but quite a few teams stand out - India won the last Champions Trophy, and the Aussies are always a team to look out for," he added.

Taking a break from Test cricket, the explosive right-hander who played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ongoing Indian Premier League, had an elbow operation last autumn but returned for South Africa's white-ball matches in New Zealand earlier this year.

"I started the IPL very well and felt in good touch throughout the tournament, but we never got going as a team as a whole," he said.

"It was a poor IPL for us, but that's long gone now. I'm very excited to be back with the South Africa team. I had a good net session this morning - I faced Imran Tahir, and he's certainly stepped up his game a bit.

"I'm feeling fresh, feeling 100%, and looking forward to playing this series and then the tournament," he added.

IANS