AUS v SA 2018: Faf du Plessis says Australia should not give up 'in-your-face' cricket

Du Plessis also said Australia helps to bring the best out of him.

Faf du Plessis | GETTY

There was a time when facing Australia wasn't an easy task. No wonder they were given the tag of 'invincibles' and their different gameplay had a big role in it. When playing against Australia, you had to deal with an extra factor, their aggression which was used in such a way that no one could stand against them. A fiery bouncer was backed by words, not only from the bowler but from slip cordon also. 

South African skipper Faf du Plessis talked about Australia's in-your-face cricket which is fading away. In his opinion, it is one of their strength and should not be given up despite the controversial ball tampering incident.

After Steve Smith and David Warner were banned from international cricket, Tim Paine, their newly appointed skipper tried to change the image and took a step to build a new culture. But Faf thinks they should not let their identity fade away.

“There is a transition they are going through at the moment where they are trying to build up a new culture however long that will take,” he said. “But I believe you should never take away your uniqueness or strength. Obviously, there are laws which you can’t cross but if your strength is to get inside guys faces then use that. But don’t become someone you are not. When guys are not authentic they are not the best cricketers they can be.”

South Africa and Australia will clash for the only T20I on Saturday. Talking about his own experience of playing against the Aussies, Du Plessis said, “I really enjoy the challenge of playing against Australia. It’s a very competitive game and that brings the beast out of me."

“Australia is probably the hardest to play against because they were the fiercest. Comparing that to now you can see they are obviously trying to minimize it more and let the cricket do the talking.

“That is where the game is heading anyway. Chirping is not a big part of cricket ... there has been a big difference in the way they talk in the field.”

India will also face Australia later this month from November 21, starting with a three-match T20I series. 

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 16 Nov, 2018

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