BATTERED FAF DIGS DEEP FOR TON

FAF du Plessis is a man for the big occasion – and they don’t come much bigger than the New Year Test at Newlands.

Du Plessis lapped up the festive atmosphere on the second day to stroke a masterful century, mixing grit and courage with sublime artistry. His efforts were certainly appreciated by the knowledgeable Cape Town crowd, as they rose in unison to applaud the skipper all the way back to pavilion when he was eventually dismissed for 103 off 226 balls.

Du Plessis found an able partner in Temba Bavuma as the pair shared a 156-run partnership for the fifth-wicket to power South Africa to 382/6 at stumps.

“I thought Faf was excellent today, and the temperament he showed through the day was outstanding. I really do,” said Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur.

Having shared centre-stage with his captain for most of the day, Bavuma offered equally high praise.

“It was a mammoth innings from him,” Bavuma said. “I think between us, he probably took more blows to the body and faced more balls, that reared past his helmet a lot more. But he still managed to stay focused and commit to the next ball.

“We just tried to stay positive and tried to keep the intensity up and remind each that when the bad ball is there, try and put it away. It was nice batting with him because he is the one batter willing to share his gameplans in what he is trying to do to the bowlers. That allows you to evaluate your own gameplan and keep you in check. He is a calming influence and that is possibly his biggest trait as a batsman and as our leader,” he added.

Bavuma (75) benefitted from two decisions that were overturned by the third umpire, with firstly the TV replays once again ruling in favour of the batsman when an Azhar Ali slip “catch” was initially given the soft signal of “out” and then later having an LBW appeal overturned.

But despite this good fortune, Bavuma could once again not convert a promising half-century into a three-figure score with his lone Test hundred still being the epic struck against England at this very ground three years ago – almost to the very day.

“I always try to contribute to the team. I am a batter and I am a fielder and that’s all I have to do. So, I just try to contribute to the team. I haven’t been able to cross the three figure mark and I don’t know

… I could be asking you guys for the answers,” Bavuma said.

“But I think as long as I am contributing to the cause of the team and the guys are happy with my commitment and effort I can also sleep with a smile on face.”

Despite there being a couple of batsmen in the Proteas changeroom with a few bruises and blue marks, it is the South Africans who all went to bed smiling last night after stretching their lead to 205 runs with the dangerous Quinton de Kock still at the crease unbeaten on 55.