Significance of the Faf factor

Proteas captain Francois du Plessis says his focus is on bringing out the best in his team — and that brings out the best in him

How big is the Faf factor? Both sides of the divide might wonder about that after SA’s turnaround in their Test series against England.

How big is the Faf factor?

Both sides of the divide might wonder at that given SA’s stunning turnaround in their Test series against England.

At Lord’s nine days ago the home side completed a 211-run drubbing‚ with more than a day to spare‚ of a team who were without captain Faf du Plessis — who was on paternity leave.

Du Plessis returned to the fold for the second Test at Trent Bridge‚ where SA won by 340 runs 40 minutes before tea on the fourth day on Monday.

It was their first win at the ground since 1965‚ and England’s first loss in 10 years in which they have won six Tests and drawn another there.

There were other changes between Lord’s and Trent Bridge. JP Duminy was dropped‚ Chris Morris and Duanne Olivier cracked the nod‚ and conditions suited swing and seam rather than spin. But it was difficult to deny that Du Plessis was the difference. Not that the man himself would say so.

“All I try and do is make sure the things I know that make a change in the team‚ I drill them very hard‚” Du Plessis said. “It’s not a Faf factor. There are a few obvious things for me that I focus on and that generally brings the best out of the players. I enjoy doing it. I think it brings the best out of me.”

Vernon Philander thought otherwise. “The calmness around him and his leadership‚ it’s massive. There’s no sense of panic when the team have their backs against the wall. That’s what he brings to the party.

“It makes it so much easier. There’s a lot more responsibility on senior players‚ and the guys take it so well coming from him being so relaxed.”

Du Plessis has presided over nine victories‚ and a solitary loss‚ in his 13 Tests in charge. The defeat came in the third Test in Adelaide‚ a dead rubber made relevant only by the fact that it was SA’s first day/night‚ pinkball match — and by the mounting pressure on Du Plessis in the throes of the “mintgate” balltampering scandal.

He rose to the challenge by scoring a brilliant 118 not out.

SA have won all four series they have played under Du Plessis’ leadership. Another success at The Oval in the match that starts on July 27 will make that five.

More evidence of the Faf factor is that without him at Lord’s‚ SA dropped three catches‚ fluffed another‚ and bowled 10 no-balls — two of which would have taken wickets. With him at Trent Bridge‚ no chances were spilled and not one no-ball was sent down.

In the opposition dressingroom England captain Joe Root has suddenly felt the pressure.

“I definitely feel older — it’s been a tough week‚” Root said.

“Root is reeling”‚ was The Observer’s headline on Sunday‚ a day on which former England captain Michael Vaughan took a swipe while commentating for BBC radio’s Test Match Special.

“The England batting has been appalling‚” Vaughan said. “Maybe it’s a lack of respect about what the game is.”

On Monday‚ when Jonny Bairstow hammered the ninth ball after lunch straight into the hands of mid-on to reduce England to 84/5 on their spiral to a total of 133‚ Vaughan said: “I can’t believe I have seen that. All you need to do is dangle the carrot and they’ll go for it. Dumb batting! What is he thinking?”

Vaughan‚ though‚ was full of praise for Philander‚ who took 2/48 and 3/24 and scored 54 and 42.

“Philander is the worst possible bowler to face when you’re trying to get a score‚” Vaughan said as the soon-to-be man-ofthe-match swept in with the new ball in the second innings.

Root‚ who was Vaughan’s club teammate at Sheffield Collegiate‚ was not amused.

“I think that’s very unfair — I can’t believe he’s actually said that, to be honest‚” Root said.

You can say it ain’t so‚ Joe. But that means nothing until you prove it wrong.