Faf plans to defy injury

South African skipper will take on Aussies with busted finger

FAF du Plessis is preparing to risk six months on the sidelines to lead South Africa into battle against arch-enemy Australia in Durban tomorrow.

One hit to the right index finger from Australia’s pace weapons Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins or Josh Hazlewood could consign du Plessis to series-ending surgery.

Du Plessis has barely picked up a bat since he fractured the finger against India on February 1, and though the injury is almost healed, the South African captain will be underdone and hugely vulnerable for the blockbuster first Test.

Former South African captain Graeme Smith famously walked out to bat against a rampant Mitchell Johnson with a broken hand at the SCG back in 2009, and though du Plessis’s comeback bid is not quite in that class of bravery, the skipper is looking to inspire with his determination to lead from the front.

Du Plessis has an extraordinary batting average of nearly 60 against Australia and the best performances of his career have come against Australian teams. Last Australian summer, du Plessis led the Proteas to a rousing triumph down under and he now wants to complete the double.

Dale Steyn shapes as the only big-name South African who will miss the first Test through injury, with wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock expected to play despite injuring his hand.

De Kock’s recent lean form with the bat presents a differ- ent set of problems though for South Africa.

South Africa will be spurred on by the chance to send champion fast bowler Morne Morkel out a winner in this his last series before retirement.

Australia was due to have its main training hit out in Durban last night and at this stage appears fully fit and likely to go in with the same side that defeated England in Sydney back in January.

Usman Khawaja said Australia was wary but undaunted by the challenge ahead against South Africa’s world-class bowling attack.

“I’ve faced them a few times now,” Khawaja said.

“It’s always a bit tougher when you go into a series and you haven’t really faced the bowlers before, so you’re finding your feet a little bit.

“They’re world-class bowlers. They’ve got a really good bowling attack, they’ve got a really good side, you have to respect them. We’re in their home now where the conditions are quite similar but it’s a new series.”