SA v AUS 2018: Faf du Plessis feels they have bowlers to fill Morne Morkel's shoes

Faf led South Africa to a 3-1 Test series win against Australia.

Morne Morkel retired from international cricket | GETTY

South Africa defeated Australia in the recently concluded Test series by 3-1. It was an even contest until the series was engulfed in controversies and the Proteas came back stronger after defeat in the first Test.

This was South Africa's first series win against Australia at home since 1970 and they sealed the win in style by their biggest ever win by runs in tests, a 492-runs victory at the Wanderers.

“This means a lot to us,” South Africa captain Faf du Plessis told reporters. “And I believe this is the best we have been right through a series. Credit to everyone that played their part, at various times a lot of guys put their hands up.”

South Africa excelled in both, batting and bowling department to crush the Aussies. “When you play against Australia you can’t ask for spicy wickets because their bowling attack is too good,” Du Plessis said.

“In the first three tests, there was reverse swing with incredible skill and pace that we had to front up to. This last test match there was a lot of seam movement.”

Faf admitted to being mentally exhausted because of too much happening around.

“This series has been different to others because of all the stuff that was going on behind the scenes. Mentally, it does chip away at you. I felt before this test that our team was mentally flat and that was because there was a lot happening off the field.

“It was new for a lot of guys, who could see just how draining test cricket is.”

Du Plessis added that despite the departure of seamer Morne Morkel, they still have a good bunch of pacers.

“There is good depth to our squad now. We are losing a big player in Morne, but I do think there are players who can step up and fill that role,” the skipper said.

“You can see how much it means to him though, we have given him probably five or six send-offs this test match already. He is a really special guy on and off the field. He lives for the team. Young guys like ‘KG’ (Rabada) would have learnt a lot from his work ethic.”

Du Plessis feels seniors aren't thinking too far. They will play until the hunger in them allows. 

“All of us are in the same boat, we are just taking it series by series. If the hunger is still there then I will try and push it as long as I can.”

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 04 Apr, 2018

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