DU PLESSIS URGES AUSSIES TO KEEP THE AGGRESSION
BRISBANE: Australia have clearly toned down their sledging since a ball-tampering scandal broke earlier this year, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said Friday, but urged them not to totally sacrifice their confrontational approach.
Coach Justin Langer and Test skipper Tim Paine have both pledged to change the win-at-allcosts culture that was rampant when Australian players tried to cheat in Cape Town this year.
Their attempt to alter the ball with sandpaper rocked the game, led to bans for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft and saw a clean-out of executives at Cricket Australia.
Du Plessis, who has just led the Proteas in three one-dayers against Australia, said there had been a marked change in their on-field behaviour and the baiting of opposition players had receded.
“The series in South Africa (earlier this year) was like that, especially that first Test in Durban. It was a feisty one,” he said in Brisbane ahead of a one-off Twenty20 on Saturday.
“Then comparing that to now, you can see they’re obviously trying to minimise that a bit more, and let the cricket do the talking.
Du Plessis, who once referred to the Australians as being “like a pack of wild dogs”, said he revelled in the confrontation and urged them not to totally abandon traits that had brought them so much success.
“I’ve always believed that you must never take away your uniqueness as a strength. If your strength is to be in guys’ faces, then you must use that,” he said.