One of the batting mainstays of the South African middle order, Faf du Plessis has proved an able successor to the legendary Jacques Kallis, albeit only with the bat. However, unlike his school friend AB de Villiers, Faf didn't exactly take the swift route to the national side and came into the team only when his Kolpak deal with Lancashire had expired. The former's stonewalling 110* to save the Adelaide Test catapulted him to instant stardom and established him as one of the key members of the Protea side. Later appointed full-time captain of the team, Du Plessis has emerged as a natural leader, especially in Tests. But given the long list of disappointments faced by South Africa at World Cups, Faf's credentials would be carved in stone if he can lead his team to glory in the marquee event.
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The SA batting coach lauded the Indian bowling attack but felt that it was de Villiers and the skipper who shifted the course after they stepped foot onto the field.
The South African captain stressed that they have options to cater to conditions irrespective of where they are playing.
The biggest selection dilemma for South Africa and Du Plessis is their pace spearhead Dale Steyn, who is fit and available for selection in the first Test at Newlands after spending a year on the sidelines due to injury.
South African captain du Plessis was ruled out of the inaugural day-night Test against Zimbabwe after his recovery from shoulder and back injuries was further delayed by a viral infection.
In du Plessis' absence, JP Duminy will lead the T20 side, which also includes AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla.
South Africa scored at nearly five runs an over on the first day and racked up 126 runs in the first session, 130 in the second, and 172 after tea.
The Proteas skipper said that players, both batsmen and bowlers, have to graft it out for five days.
Pakistan clinched the three-match series 2-1, winning the decisive T20 by 33 runs in front of a boisterous capacity crowd of 25,000 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Du Plessis' first assignment as South Africa's captain in all formats will be a home series against Bangladesh later this month.
"I will be able to look back and say that I played my part in bringing cricket back to Pakistan" stated du Plessis.
The high-profile T20I series brings together several top-level competitors including three of the top five bowlers in the ICC T20I Players Rankings getting to display their wares.
Bangladesh, which had a notorious run of 71 defeats in 72 internationals from 1999 to 2004, have transformed into a team capable of surprising many and causing upsets.
Gibson will remain with England until the end of the West Indies series that is scheduled to last until September 11.
South Africa suffered a humiliating 1-3 defeat in the four-match Test series against England.
The Joe Root-led side registered a massive 177-run win over South Africa in the fourth and final Test at Old Trafford to clinch the four-match series 3-1.
Bairstow's brilliant batting and Anderson's important haul at his home ground set England up for a big first-innings lead and in a dominant position in the fourth Test at Old Trafford vs South Africa.
In-form Ben Stokes was bowled for 58 by pacer Kagiso Rabada an over before the close at Old Trafford, giving South Africa a late boost against England at the end of Day 1 in the fourth Test at Manchester.
South Africa's seam attack, led by Vernon Philander, enjoyed the cloudy and humid conditions that led to extravagant swing on Day 1 of the third Test against England at Kennington Oval.
South Africa's big lead was built on second-innings half-centuries by opener Dean Elgar (80), Hashim Amla (87) and captain Faf du Plessis (63).
Catch all the latest updates from England vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Day 3 at Trent Bridge.
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