SA vs IND 2018: Faf du Plessis Reveals Hosts Won't Shown Any Complacency

On the eve of the second Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, South African skipper Faf Du Plessis while talking to the media persons remarked they are not going to take the number one-ranked Test team India easily even after leading the three-match series.

“We don’t want to take a step back and rely on a 1-0 lead as if you do that they will pounce on you.” Du Plessis revealed in the pre-game presser and was quoted as saying by News18.

The penultimate Test will be held on Saturday (January 13), and the 33-year-old du Plessis has suggested his teammates continue where they left off at Newlands when the hosts register the 72-run win following the brilliance with the ball by pace spearhead Vernon Philander.

Moreover, the right-handed batsman du Plessis, who in all admiration kissed recently-turned world No.1 Test bowler Kagiso Rabada revealed India is a strong force and knows well how to shift the gears.

“We expect a huge performance from them as they are a very strong team,” du Plessis conceded.

While shedding light regarding the team, du Plessis reiterated it is hard to fill the space left by Dale Steyn, who nursed the heel injury during the first Test adding it is somewhat good owing to the learning curve.

“With him missing, it will be a tough selection but it is a nice headache to have,” Du Plessis responded regarding the combinations of the team for the impending Test.

Du Plessis further had a look at the 22-yard surface which is expected to offer an extra bounce for the bowlers.

“I expect a good cricketing wicket with pace and bounce but it certainly looks browner than the previous one,” Du Plessis added.

On the other side, the bowling trio Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel also had a first look at the surface when the pitch curator Bryan Bloy was also in the middle.

“Rabada is a strong athlete and a strong bowler. Vernon has worked on his fitness and has really improved as a bowler,” du Plessis signed off.

With combination yet to be decided by the hosting side, Lungi Ngidi is expected to be handed over the debut cap, as on the other side, batting all-rounder Chris Morris would weigh in for the Proteas camp.

Like India, South African players also had a morning session in nets which further included fielding drills, and Temba Bavuma was also enjoying the batting practice.

Read here match reports, analysis of India’s tour to South Africa: South Africa Vs India, 2018