Du Plessis: 20s and 30s will never win Test matches

Third Test, Day 5

England: 499/9 declared

South Africa: 209 & 237 (Maharaj 71, Paterson 39*, Root 4/87, Wood 3/32) England won by an innings and 53 runs Zaahier Adams in Port Elizabeth

“I am a Proteas batsman. I have a problem. Maybe many problems and I need help.”

That’s how the next Proteas batting meeting needs to start because for the second day in a row South Africa lost four wickets in the first session. When that happens in Test cricket, the inevitable outcome is defeat.

The only question then is by how much? Well, at St George’s Park yesterday the final outcome was an inningsand-53-run defeat for SA.

And even that embarrassing margin flattered the despairing hosts for it could have been much greater were it not for an entertaining 99-run stand for the last wicket between Keshav Maharaj and Dane Paterson.

The fact that SA’s tail seemed to have a plan against England’s spin and seam only emphasised that the meagre returns coming from the top order is the growing wedge between the two teams.

“From a batting point of view, there was a little bit of spin but nothing that should get us out for that totals. I think England are showing us how to get in, how to apply yourself and then how to score big runs. I think that’s the difference between the two teams,” Proteas captain Faf du Plessis said.

“Our responsibility as the top five is to lay the foundation for players coming in to play with freedom. The England top three does a very boring job, in a way, but they do a good job. They make sure they take care of the new ball, they are very set in their game plans but it works for them.

“In our team someone gets in, he gets out. If a partnership starts growing, it stops. What makes Test cricket unique is that you have to absorb pressure, and we (are) not doing that at the moment. Confidence is a big thing in our batting line-up. We need to get

it back. There are quite a few of us who are underperforming at the moment. That’s a fact. Myself included. Twenties and 30s have never and will never win Test matches.”

During every crisis it is inevitable that there will be many that seemingly possess the solution. Pundits, media, fans on social media… everyone wants to offer their two cents worth.

But that responsibility lies with Jacques Kallis. The Proteas legend is the team’s batting consultant and he, along with coach Mark Boucher, are meant to be the sole sounding boards.

Du Plessis admitted the “outside noise” may have filtered through to his team’s dressing-room, causing an element of uncertainty.

“You just can’t listen to everyone. You have to find a way that works best for you,” Du Plessis said.