South Africa’s long-time mainstay Faf du Plessis made a loud statement at Centurion for those who underestimated his batting prowess. Not only did the ex Portea skipper race to a century in merely 150 balls, but stayed at the crease for 99 more runs to get on to his highest test score.
However, when Du Plessis was dismissed, the slow claps and pat on the back did surround him but there was more of disbelief in the South African dugout. Barely did the 36-year-old put his foot wrong throughout the day, but in order to touch the milestone without any more fuss, Faf tried to take on Hassaranga in a lofted shot over mid-on but instead mistimed and found the fielder inside the circle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR0GK6DUsgV_-14V7eyZrs3XGPVWD3ipFWqa0higxqrqt_DU6DNJ75YN8MA&v=ON-sqDQscrI&feature=youtu.be
What Faf Du Plessis Told Cricbuzz After The Unfortunate Runout?
“It is unfortunate. Worked extremely hard to try and get a 200 today. It is something I have always wanted to achieve. To get so close [and miss] is obviously not ideal. I felt really good at the crease today. Feel it is a shot [over m I have played really well but the execution was perhaps not 100% there. Was pretty tired at that stage. I was not in the greatest position to try and hit that for six.”
This knock comes at a time of importance given the falling standards of South African Test cricket. The Portea team lost to Sri Lanka at home in 2019, they were devastated when they came to India and England beat them in their own backyard this year. After having given up his captaincy, Du Plessis continued as a full-time batsman. Talking to Cricbuzz he said this might not be his best hundred but it surely came at a crucial juncture.
“In match situations, I have made a lot better hundreds. When attacks are at their hottest when conditions are at their toughest. I would not put this close to any of those. This was more for me from timing and a statement point of view, to make sure I proved to people out there who doubted my ability, that has not changed after a season or two. In fact, I am trying to make sure I can improve my performances. It is more of that than ranking it in the top three or four.”
The Situation Of The Match And What He Concluded By Saying?
Sri Lanka had to let go Lasith Kumara owing to a pain in his groin. Losing another bowler the team looked down on their knees. Faf acknowledged that the challenge became even tougher for them this morning.
Faf talked about how the opposition was at a slight disadvantage due to this. He went on to add that despite that, the opponents tried their best to stay in the game. Fortunately for him and his team, they took charge and are in command of the game.
Well, it is not too often that a player gets out on 199. Really unlucky but that is just how the game is. Better luck next time Faf Du Plessis!!
