To still get booed when I got to 100 was disappointing – Faf

TAKE a bow Faf du Plessis, your country salutes you. In the face of great adversity, you’ve displayed the courage and skill of the bravest of warriors.

With Du Plessis’ ears stinging with the sound of boos from a spirited Adelaide Oval crowd – which eventually grew to 32 255 – when he got to the crease, the Proteas captain managed to fashion an unbeaten 118 of the highest class which has given his team a real chance in this third and final Test.

It was the perfect riposte to an Australian public and media who have labelled him a cheat before – and after – he was fined for ball tampering.

“I was expecting a little bit of hostility, but not to that extent. When I came out, I was obviously quite aware of it,” Du Plessis said. “To be really honest with you, I didn’t expect to still get booed when I got to 100. That was pretty disappointing. It was a big day for me as a captain, to stand up and lead from the front. So to get through the day, and in the manner that I did, makes me really proud of my performance.” Du Plessis admitted that the jeers inspired him after a week in which his integrity was placed under scrutiny. That his century ensured the Proteas posted 259/9 declared after being in trouble on 44/3 and later on 117/5, added more gravitas to an innings that he hailed as “my best” ever.

“I was extremely motivated today and that possibly helped me a little bit more‚” Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis also still had the presence of mind to insert Australia late in the day’s play since he knew that Australian opener David Warner had been off injured for a while and that the hosts’ batting order would have to be rejigged.

“I heard them talking to the umpires. I had one ear talking to the batter and the other ear listening to them. Before he could bat again, so I thought let’s have a crack. It was just a little thing to take them out of their comfort zone,” Du Plessis said. No wickets fell before the close, but the canny Du Plessis gained valuable insight into how his bowlers would fare with the pink ball under lights.

“I don’t think we would have declared if we were seven down in the last hour of the night. The pink ball went through phases today. When I started batting it seamed for a while, then it stopped, it was nice to bat, and then for about 10-15 overs it swung quite a bit.

“It’s great that something is happening with the pink ball. I expected a bit more tonight. It was probably a bit cold.”

Meanwhile, Cricket SA last night confirmed that Du Plessis will appeal the fine of 100% of his match fee imposed by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft for ball tampering during the second Test in Hobart. – Zaahier Adams