Du Plessis to show no mercy
SOUTH African captain Faf du Plessis wants to kick Australia’s one-day side while it’s down.
But du Plessis says he takes no pleasure from the turmoil engulfing cricket in Australia ahead of today’s one-dayer in Adelaide.
“It’s never nice when it carries on for so long,” du Plessis said. “I think everyone in their camp would just like to start afresh now and make sure they can focus on the cricket.”
But du Plessis makes no apology for a ruthless on-field approach, saying the Proteas must grasp a chance to sink the proverbial boot into Australia.
“I believe you have to,” he said. “If you do get an opportunity against Australia where you can put your foot on the gas, it’s really important to try and do that because it’s not often you get those opportunities.”
South Africa dished out Australia’s seventh consecutive one-day loss in the series opener in Perth on Sunday, coasting to a six-wicket win.
Du Plessis admitted the absence of suspended batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner was a blow to Australia.
“We always felt when we played them, if you get those two cheaply that you could put real pressure on the rest of the batting line-up, so they do leave big holes,” he said.