http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Faf-du-Plessis-c1427 was huge, mentally and physically, says Smith – Cricket News Update
The South African skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, which saved the 2nd Test for the Proteas.
Playing his first Test match, replacing injured http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JP-Duminy-c1742, du Plessis made a herculean century on the final day of the match after the Proteas were nearing a defeat at the hands of the Australians.
With just two wickets remaining, the star debutant hung in there till the end to save the day for his team with an unbeaten knock of 110 runs. Praised for his stoic performance, du Plessis was a masterclass in determination, batting through six sessions
patiently.
Hailing the debutant's efforts, Smith said, "It was immense from Faf. Mentally and emotionally to perform like he did and never just to be satisfied with what he had achieved on his debut and still want more was terrific. We had to scrap for five days and
we know we have been far from our best but we are still here."
After the top ranked Test team was deep in trouble, resuming their innings on 77 for 4 on the final day, chasing a total of 430, the odds were against them. However, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598 was very enthusiastic, and believed in the talents of his team to turn the tables
on the opposition.
"I have been on both sides of the fence. I have seen us get through games and we have been the team trying to bowl people out on the last day. I knew there were still some terrific cricketers to play a part in this game and it shone through," said Graeme
Smith.
Despite a wonderful double century by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978 in the first innings, the saviour of the game, du Plessis, earned the respect of the jury, and was the Player of the Match for his outclass display of nerves.
With the game resulting in a draw, both sides are in contention for the series, which stands level (0-0) with a game at Perth to come.
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