Faf du Plessis overcome dehydration issues and body cramps when he scored a match-deciding ton on Monday, but maintained that he is sort of relieved to know that the pain and exhaustion he was made resulted in South Africa for a draw in the second Test against Australia all the more pretty.
Australia captain Michael Clarke played his cards well by introducing bowling changes with the likes of Nathan Lyon and Peter Siddle but the results were worth not as much as he would have expected. Plessis has put on a brave front to ensure that his team does not lose.
The Chennai Super Kings player scored an emphatic 78 in the first innings to ensure his team avoid the follow-on and followed with an unbeaten 110 in the second as he drove South Africa to safety with just two wickets in hand in a dream debut at Adelaide Oval.
“I think it just makes it a little bit more sweet,” the 28-year-old all-rounder told reporters of his fatigue, having spent at the crease throughout the entire day under scorching heat. Moreover, he got enough support from his fellow South African batsmen as well.
“The story wouldn't have been that nice if my body was all feeling fine. One day when I look back, I can look back and say I pushed through the physical side of things.
“It just shows how far you can go if you're mentally strong enough.”
After being named ‘Man of the Match’ for his scintillating, it was actually a monumental knock by Du Plessis who walked towards the crease with the Proteas staring defeat at 45-4 just after tea on day four and with seemingly little hope of salvation.
Catching up the momentum with eventful partnerships of 89 runs with schoolmate AB de Villiers and 99 runs with injured all-rounder Jacques ‘The King’ Kallis, Du Plessis found himself thrust into the role of saviour as his partners crumbled around him late in the day.
The South African displayed a tremendous character that used to be shown by former players like Gary Kirsten and Daryl Cullinan. Going by the way how the innings of Plessis went through, skipper Graeme Smith must be a relieved man. A day on which rank players like Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers failed to bat through, Du Plessis has surprised one and all with a matured knock that will be remembered for a long while.
In the process, Du Plessis survived two LBW decisions as well given in his favor by umpire Billy Bowden in quick succession when he was in the 30s, with both over-ruled after video review. He edged a catch to Matthew Wade off the bowling of pace bowler Ben Hilfenhaus but the wicket-keeper messed up with the chance to grant Du Plessis another reprieve on 94.
As soon as he moved to 98 post tea, Du Plessis was stuck there for about half an hour as Australia's bowlers exerted even more pressure. Eventually, he has seen through all the obstacles to manage a draw from a no-win situation.
