SA vs IND, 1st Test: I Was Very Nervous Defending 208, Says Faf du Plessis

The way South Africa comfortably dismantled India while defending 208, it looked like nothing less than a walk in the park for the hosts. Defending 208, the Proteas had their task cut out against the formidable batting lineup of the world number one Test side.

However, in the end, the score turned out to be more than enough for the hosts as they bundled the visitors for just 135 to take the lead in the three-match series. But while the win looked a comfortable one, in the end, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis admitted to having plenty of nerves when they came out to defend the target. Du Plessis’ nervousness would have only escalated when India openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay added 30 runs for the first wicket. However, once the partnership was broken, it was one-way traffic for du Plessis & Co. as they rode on Vernon Philander’s career-best 6 for 42 to register an impressive win.

“I knew that the new ball was going to be key for us. If we could get wickets with the new ball, we feel like we can get through their batting line-up,” said du Plessis at the post-match conference. “But definitely I was very nervous. I came here this morning hoping to get a 350-run lead and bowl to them tonight, so obviously that didn’t go to plan. But we’ve got fantastic seam bowlers and if there’s anything in the wicket, Vern and the other two guys are amazing. If we had Dale (Steyn) there today, I reckon we would have rolled them out cheaper.”

The fans could not have asked for a better Test match which ended on a thrilling note despite the third day being entirely washed out. On day four, India took the remaining eight wickets for just 65 before the hosts bundled them for 135 to win the game.

Du Plessis also sounded delighted that the teams were able to put up a good show in front of a sizable Cape Town crowd.

“There was this flow the whole time: India’s on top, then South Africa’s on top, then they are taking the game to us and we are taking it back to them,” said du Plessis. “As an advert for Test cricket, that’s as good as it gets. It was exciting and the fans had their full value for money because it was entertainment right through. There was no boring Test cricket, it was a lot of action. And that’s why we absolutely loved this Test match.”

The second match of the series will be played in Centurion from January 13.

Here is the news feed:

South Africa Calls Up Olivier, Ngidi For Second Test Match Against India

SA vs IND 2018: Three Turning Points on Day Four

Catch India’s tour to South Africa here.

Video of the day: