“I’ll take my 199,” said Proteas batsman, Faf du Plessis, after Day 3 of the first Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park, which saw a number of milestones being registered, including Du Plessis’ highest ever Test score of 199.
DAY 3 WRAP: FAF DU PLESSIS’ 199 GIVES PROTEAS CONTROL
In the last Test series the Proteas played against England, the mood was significantly different as the team and Du Plessis were struggling to produce the results expected of them.
“Comes with the territory,” Du Plessis said, “We weren’t playing at our best.” After a good off-season, however, du Plessis had the time to ensure he was giving himself the best opportunity to perform well for the Proteas in all three formats.
Reflecting on his century, Du Plessis said he had made better hundreds in tougher conditions, but “this was a statement to prove to people who were questioning my ability.” His dismissal, while unfortunate, could be attributed mainly to improper execution. A fielder was placed at Mid-On, and du Plessis thought he could “pop it over his head.”
From the team’s perspective, du Plessis said this innings was a reminder of how important it was for the team to start well. In recent times, the team typically lost a wicket in the first ten overs. Watching Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram set the foundation with a substantial opening partnership was an encouraging sign. If a batsman gets in, du Plessis believes, it is important for him to score big.
The question of injury substitutes has featured prominently through this series, with four, possibly five, Sri Lankan players lost to injury. du Plessis argued it is difficult to differentiate between injuries that are deemed serious with ones that are not.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented obstacles for the conditioning of players, but the lockdown worked for du Plessis because it gave him time to work on his fitness.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Head Coach, Mickey Arthur, offered explanations for the multiple injuries to Sri Lankan players through the course of this Test match, including “lots of niggles today.”
“Getting time for preparation is key,” rued Arthur, while analyzing the factors contributing to the injuries confronting the Sri Lankan team. Arthur attributed the injuries to the lack of conditioning and challenges presented by the scheduling of series.
During the lockdown in Sri Lanka, players had to go through their conditioning routines at home because of a curfew imposed in Colombo.
Soon after, many Sri Lankan players participated in the Lankan Premier League. The difficulty of getting the fast bowlers match fit in the aftermath of the LPL was compounded by quarantine restrictions in South Africa. Arthur will be talking to an ICC panel to address bowler workloads because multiple injuries through a Test match has bearing on the cricket viewing experience.
While the injuries to the Sri Lankans have dominated the talking points for this Test, Arthur said there were a number of positives he could seek solace from. Praising his batsmen, Arthur said, “The batsmen have got in and played well.”
After scoring 396 in the first innings, Arthur believes a full-strength bowling attack “would have challenged them.”
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Watch the full press conference:
