Australia vs South Africa day one: Faf du Plessis hits timely century after fine for ball-tampering
South Africa 259-9 dec, Australia 14-0: The Proteas' captain walked out to boos at the Adelaide Oval after being sanctioned earlier this week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Faf du Plessis responded to being controversially found guilty of ball tampering with an unbeaten hundred and attacking declaration on day one of the day/night Test in Adelaide.
South Africa's captain was sanctioned by the International Cricket Council on Tuesday for "applying saliva and residue from a mint or sweet, an artificial substance, to the ball in an attempt to change its condition" during the second Test.
Du Plessis, who on Wednesday said he "still completely" disagrees with the ICC's decision, was fined all of his second Test match fee but not banned.
On Thursday the 32-year-old won the toss and vented his frustration by holding South Africa's innings together with 118 not out of their 259 for nine declared.
Perhaps mindful that Australia were skittled for 85 in their first innings of the second Test en route to the Proteas winning the series with a game to spare, Du Plessis gave the hosts 12 overs to negotiate in tricky twilight batting conditions.
Twenty-year-old debutant Matt Renshaw, who was born in Middlesbrough, and Usman Khawaja survived a tense period of play to close on 14 without loss.
Du Plessis, batting at five, was the sole South African to effectively counter the pink ball, which swung significantly. Opener Stephen Cook was the only other member of the top six to reach double figures.
Cook was fortunate to make 40 given he was trapped plumb in front by Mitchell Starc on four, only to be reprieved by a no-ball.
Du Plessis and Cook shared one of just two fifty partnerships in the innings, the other coming as Kyle Abbott supported his skipper.
Josh Hazlewood was Australia's most productive bowler with four for 68, while there were two wickets each for fellow pacemen Starc and Jackson Bird in an impressive bowling display.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments