Published 10:22 IST, October 18th 2019
Ind vs SA 3rd Test: Faf du Plessis to not walk out for toss in Ranchi
Ind vs SA 3rd Test: Faf du Plessis has lost 9 successive tosses in the Asian subcontinent and has decided to send someone else for the toss in the third test.
In a move that is set to surprise many, beleaguered South African captain Faf du Plessis has opted to not walk out for the toss in the final Test of the 3-match series against India in Ranchi. The reason given by the South African team management is that du Plessis has now lost nine successive tosses in Test matches in the Indian subcontinent, where the outcome of the toss very much decides the outcome of the match. To turn his team's fortunes, du Plessis revealed in the pre-match press conference on Friday that he has decided to send out someone else to toss the coin on his behalf.
The toss is very important while playing in the Indian subcontinent as no team likes to bat fourth when the pitch starts to crack and roughs develop. The Proteas have already lost the series and will look for a vital consolation win. This novel move might just change their fortunes come Saturday.
Pre-match conference
Addressing the media in the pre-match conference, du Plessis said he has to overprepare. He wants to make it as difficult as possible in the nets for himself so that when he comes to play in the middle, he feels that he has tried his best no matter how many runs he scores. Although du Plessis hasn't had a great series with the bat, the South African captain is still the visitors' best chance to put up a big first-innings total on the board against India.
India have already clinched the Test series 2-0 with wins in Vizag and Pune. The third Test match starts on Saturday, October 19. South Africa will play for their pride, whereas India will look to clean sweep the series and further strengthen their position in the ICC World Test Championship.
Updated 12:23 IST, October 18th 2019