When it comes to one of the biggest cricketing stalwarts of South African and if I may World Cricket, the only thing faf about du Plessis is his first name Faf aka Francois.
Yes, such has been the demeanour and performance of this 38-year old, that every cricketing pundit still considers this well-chiselled brut a more than active and astute performer on the playing circuit. Make no mistake, that’s a fact!
Having amassed more than 700 runs at an average of a shade over 57 in the cream of T20 tournaments, the Indian Premier League, Faf du Plessis certainly is like one of the best South African wines doing the rounds which just becomes more palatable with time.
Ask one of the most iconic franchises’ of the IPL, the Royal Challengers Bangalore and not only them, but the entire Garden City will agree in unison.
This certainly is testament to Faf du Plessis’s understanding of the Indian conditions and with the World Cup being held here some months down the line, his inclusion in the Mzansi squad probably seems logical.
With South Africa having qualified for the spectacle courtesy the rain Gods intervening in the first Ireland-Bangladesh ODI outing, the team from the British Isles is all but out of reckoning, heading to Zimbabwe to participate in the qualifiers.
Coming back to logic, this five letter word and South Africa are like chalk and cheese, ask the commoner there and he will undoubtedly agree!
Dwindling economy, unabated crime, high unemployment and a delusional Government which still feels is running this country with logic, one surely gets the picture.
Having said this, bringing our attention back to Faf du Plessis his stats in ODIs is worth every praise with more than 5000 runs at an impeccable average of 47.
What’s more his experience of having led South Africa and that too shrewdly if I may, will also come in handy for the current skipper Temba Bavuma. Knowledge sharing there, isn’t it?
With records second to none and a wealth of cricketing intellect, for me as the intrepid author of this piece, Francois’s selection for the ODI WC should be a no-brainer.
He is the perfect no. 3 for South Africa. Much akin to a train running on the global cricketing tracks with high intent that will never get derailed till there is enough steam and the fuel that ignites the Protea fire.
Mr. Rob Walter and Mr. Enoch Nkwe, select this perfect team man in the squad and in the famous song of Liverpool F.C., ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone!’
