Standard Bank Proteas Test captain Faf du Plessis has praised his side’s fighting spirit despite being thumped by 191 runs in the fourth Test against England and subsequently losing the series 3-1.
Chasing 466 in the fourth innings at the Imperial Wanderers at the start of Day Four, the Proteas valiantly fought but were dismissed for 278 all out. Du Plessis commended his charges fighting spirit.
With the score at 181/2 deep into the second session fourth day, The Proteas had a good fighting chance until the inevitable happened and Ben Stokes claimed Du Plessis’(35) prize scalp.
Top-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen (98) was the top scorer for the home side after also being involved in a third-wicket partnership of 92 with his captain. Du Plessis says there are some positives to take out of the series.
With the victory at the Bullring, England completed their third victory in a row over South Africa, coming back from 1-0 down to clinch the series.
England captain Joe Root praised his entire team for their efforts during the tour. Root says he is pleased they could deliver despite missing a number of key senior players in the side.
The series victory will be much sweeter for England having been rocked by illness and injuries after the first two Tests and managing to turn things around.
Root complimented his players especially the youngsters who have had to step up and fill in for the missing senior players. – Report by Thando Gqamane
