The fourth Test of the ongoing series between England and South Africa could be the final one for Faf du Plessis on home soil. The skipper has admitted the same in the post-match conference at Port Elizabeth.
Faf du Plessis on his international retirement
South Africa has recently lost consecutive Test series at home against Sri Lanka and England. Now, they are 2-1 down in the four-match series against England. Clearly the captain is in pressure. Moreover, as a batsman, he has not been in good form in the recent past. Faf has not scored a Test hundred in more than a year now. Since the October series in India, his performance has been underwhelming as well with 255 runs in 12 innings at an average of 21.25.
After losing the Port Elizabeth Test du Plessis has said, “I have committed until the T20 World Cup. There isn’t a lot of Test cricket left this year: one massive Test where we need everyone to be as strong as possible, [and] afterwards there is quite a big gap.”
Regarding the buzz about his retirement, Faf has clarified, “There has been a lot of chat regarding (my) retirement but I’ve always been clear about taking a call after the T20 World Cup this year.”
Wanderers might be last home Test for Faf
However, Faf has hinted the media that he might play his last Test on home soil at Wanderers. “I have said before, there is an opportunity to release some of the captaincy. Two Test matches in the West Indies [in July], and the rest of the year is white-ball stuff. Most probably after that, Test cricket will be something that won’t see me.”
The Proteas captain although under a lot of criticism has opined, “the worst thing a leader can do is pull the plug mid-series”. To him, leadership is standing up for the team and guide them in difficult times. “If you leave the team when they need you most, that’s not my style. I have been under pressure a few times and I’ve played my best innings under pressure.”
He has concluded saying, “I can’t leave the team when they need me most. We are in a transition but I can’t do it forever. It has been chipping away at your character. For now, that’s what we need. I think it will make it worse if I say I’m out.”
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