Faf du Plessis admits getting scarred by India on their previous tour
South Africa’s stand-in captain Faf du Plessis admitted on Thursday that the team was scarred after being drubbed 3-0 against India in the spin-friendly pitches last year.
Du Plessis who has replaced the injured AB de Villiers as the Proteas captain for the Test series against New Zealand said they will be looking for a fresh start in the first of the two Tests starting at Kingsmead on Friday.
South Africa came into the series against India as the No.1 ranked team but their inability to tackle the Indian spinners in rank turners made them surrender their numero uno status. Subsequently, they also lost a home series against England thus slipping to 7th in the ICC Rankings.
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"India was tough for us and it left a few scars," said Du Plessis. "I think Australia are in the same position against Sri Lanka (where they were beaten 3-0 in a Test series).
"Before that series we were a powerhouse batting unit. It had an effect on all of us." The stand-in captain lamented.
Du Plessis also added that it took most of the four-match series against England to get over the scars suffered against India but he was optimistic and said it was a new season and they will hope to get off to a good start. He was also well aware of the fact that Proteas had fallen well short of their best standards in the last season.
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"But this is a new season and a new series and hopefully, we can get off to a good start. We have had some honest feedback on where we want to go and where we fell short."
It was apprehended that the Proteas became a bit complacent after staying at the top of the rankings for more than 3 years.
"We maybe fell into some traps because we were playing well and could almost leave it to be. We need to challenge each other every day, from the coaching staff right through to the guy carrying the drinks." The right-handed batsman said.
The stand-in captain also added that the return of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander will bolster their bowling attack and will provide the much-needed stability despite the absence of Morne Morkel.
"They have been playing good cricket and we will have to play well to beat them." Du Plessis concluded.