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Turn the clock back four years, almost to the day, when Faf du Plessis made an iconic Test ton on debut against Australia at Adelaide.
Iconic because du Plessis’ unbeaten 110 took seven hours 46 minutes of back-breaking concentration in facing 375 balls to lead South Africa to the most honourable of draws despite Australia being in command.
Even the most dyed-in-the-wool Aussie supporter was keen to salute the 28-year-old’s gutsy performance, especially when South Africa won by 309 runs in the third and final Test at the WACA to win the series 1-0.
Yet, there’s been a dramatic change over four years from a humble modest debutant to the man who keeps saying he’s done nothing wrong when television relays show the new South African captain ball tampering via saliva from a mint.
Fined $2500 and two demerit points, du Plessis is free to play in the third and final Test at Adelaide starting today, when he should have copped at least a one-Test ban.
du Plessis intends to fight the decision, saying he’s done nothing wrong.
First up that’s rubbish, he was tampering with the condition of the ball as television footage conclusively proved.
Secondly, he was caught cheating, and if he has to cheat, why compete?
One thing for is sure, despite South Africa holding an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series, this third Test has been sparked into life by du Plessis.
Under siege, Australia go into the Test with three batting debutants – Mark Renshaw, Peter Handscomb, and Nic Maddinson, making six lefties in the top eight.
Skipper Steve Smith and Handscomb are the only two right-handers.
The biggest interest will be how the three newcomers deal with the on-fire South African pace attack of Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, and Kyle Abbott.
They didn’t need any ball tampering from their skipper. This lot could take wickets on a road, with a badly scuffed ball.
Jackson Bird will complete the Australian attack with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon with Chadd Sayers the 12th man on his home ground – a mighty thin attack.
Stand by for Australia’s replacement keeper Matt Wade to spill many chances. He’s a far inferior gloveman to Peter Nevill and the batting between the two is not close to night and day. There’s no sense in that selection.
More importantly, is this the start of a new era in Australia cricket?
The next five days will tell the story.