We must show some fight – Faf
FINAL TEST: CHALLENGE A MENTAL THING FOR PROTEAS
South Africa are simply trying to restore some pride in the third and final Test against India that started today in Ranchi, with captain Faf du Plessis saying his team needed to find the mental resilience to perform the basics and then they will be competitive.
India have already clinched the series with massive wins by 203 runs in Visakhapatnam and an innings and 137 runs in Pune, but just getting on the board with some points in the new ICC Test Championship is a big incentive for the Proteas as well.
“We’re a very proud nation, very competitive people and it’s tough when you’re losing. So it’s important we don’t feel like we’re on the plane home already and there are points still up for grabs for the Test Championship. The challenge is more mental, we just need to be hungry for big runs and find a way to get 20 wickets; if we do that we’ll be competitive.
“The first two Tests dented our confidence but international sport is supposed to be hard, it comes with ups and downs and we have to fight our way out of this, it won’t just happen. India have an amazing record at home, it’s tough to beat them here, they are a very strong team and they’ve played very good cricket. They’ve been much better than us,” Du Plessis said yesterday.
While the fiery Indian pacemen did just as much damage to the Proteas as the spinners in the second Test, the pitch at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi simmers in 84% humidity, but the dryness of the surface suggests more of a trial by spin this time around. Du Plessis said there will be “a few changes” to the team, especially in terms of the batting order, with opener Aiden Markram ruled out with a self-inflicted fractured wrist.
“The pitch will spin, it’s a different colour, dark, dry and hard. And reverse-swing will be a factor too. But I try and make the nets as tough as possible, so then you feel prepared. We know it’s going to be a tough task, but we want to make sure we compete in their own conditions, which we did in stages in the first Test. But I understand sixties don’t win Tests, we have to bat big like India.
“Hopefully it starts with winning the toss – and I’ll probably send someone else out for that because I don’t have a good record here,” Du Plessis said.