Significance of the Faf factor
Du Plessis returned to the fold for the second Test at Trent Bridge‚ where SA won for the first time at the ground since 1965
Nottingham — How big is the Faf factor? Both sides of the divide might wonder at that given SA’s stunning turnaround in their Test series against England. At Lord’s nine days ago the home side completed a 211-run drubbing‚ with more than a day to spare‚ of a team who were without captain Faf du Plessis — who was on paternity leave. Du Plessis returned to the fold for the second Test at Trent Bridge‚ where SA won by 340 runs 40 minutes before tea on the fourth day on Monday. It was their first win at the ground since 1965‚ and England’s first loss in 10 years in which they have won six Tests and drawn another there. There were other changes between Lord’s and Trent Bridge. JP Duminy was dropped‚ Chris Morris and Duanne Olivier cracked the nod‚ and conditions suited swing and seam rather than spin. But it was difficult to deny that Du Plessis was the difference. Not that the man himself would say so. "All I try and do is make sure the things I know that make a change in the team‚ I dr...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.