Faf “may need to stay away from mints” – just this once
South African captain Faf du Plessis knows his every move will be scrutinised in the third Test against Australia from today.
He just hopes the same spotlight will be trained on Australia’s cricketers.
“There will be a lot of eyes on everyone, not just the South African team but the Australians as well,” du Plessis said.
Du Plessis on Tuesday was found guilty of ball tampering by the International Cricket Council but avoided a ban for the third Test against the Australians.
“It’s never nice to be in a position like this because with ball tampering, it’s a real negative connotation that gets put to it,” he said yesterday.
“The term ‘cheat’ has been thrown around. That is something that I do not take lightly to. It’s something that I don’t want to be associated with in any space.
“I felt I have done nothing wrong… I was shining the cricket ball. I have been doing that my whole career. Every single team I have played in does exactly the same thing.
“It’s not something that’s frowned upon by anyone, not even the umpires… I just think it was a little bit blown out of proportion.”
Du Plessis’ South Africans are seeking a 3-0 series whitewash of the revamped Australians, who have made five changes for the day-night Test in Adelaide.
And the Proteas captain said the use of pink balls, which swing more than red balls, could work in his favour – he won’t need to shine the ball as much.
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“The timing is perfect that it’s a pink ball,” he said.
“The pink ball swings more but it will be interesting to see how we shine the ball now.
“Possibly for this one game I maybe need to stay away from mints.”
-AAP
