Faf du Plessis says South Africa Are A ''Team Of Fighters''

Finally, South Africa tasted success in the Test format of the game after losing five Test matches on a trot. They outsmarted Joe Root-led side at centurion to seal the first game of the four-match Test series. The likes of Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada delivered the goods when it mattered the most for the team. Meanwhile, the skipper Faf du Plessis showered words of praise on his boys for their incredible show in the middle.

On Day 3, Rory Burns and Domnic Sibley raised English hopes with a solid opening partnership after England were set a challenging 376 to win. England were 121 for one wicket at the close of play, needing another 255 runs to win. After adding 92 for the first wicket, Sibley gave a return catch to left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, which triggered the collapse.

Our bowling unit was exceptional – Faf du Plessis

The exceptional bowling display by Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada helped South Africa to bundle out England for 268 runs on the board. Speaking after the game in the press conference, Faf du Plessis quoted that the South Africa team have got full of fighters, who can make the difference on their day.

He further stated that small efforts would make a much impact in a Test match. He highlighted the 40-run knock played by Anrich Nortje and the attacking innings of Quinton de Kock in the middle, which helped the team to make things fall in place.

“It’s a South African thing. We are a team of fighters. We love something that sparks a little something like that. Our feeling was that when he comes in, we will do exactly the same thing to him,” Faf du Plessis said in the press conference.

“As a team, we don’t have a lot of superstars,” Faf du Plessis said. “You can say guys like KG and Vern are our stars but we take a lot more from victories where everybody contributes. Small things like Nortje getting 40 with the bat. Our bowling unit was exceptional. All of them put their hands up.”

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All in all, it was a fantastic win for South Africa to end 2019 on a positive note. Now, both teams will head to Cape Town for the second Test match of the 4-match series. It is set to be played on January 3rd.