‘Faf’ rescues South Africa to put a dampener on Ponting’s big day

 
Michael Weinstein30 November 2012

Francois du Plessis continued his stunning introduction to Test cricket today when he dragged South Africa out of the mire in the Third Test against Australia in Perth.

Man of the match on his debut in Adelaide, where he scored an unbeaten 110 over seven hours and 46 minutes to help the tourists scrape a draw, ‘Faf’ defied the Aussies again today after they had South Africa reeling at 75 for six.

Du Plessis (above), who also notched a half-century in his first Test innings, was unbeaten on 78 as South Africa recovered to 225 all out, leaving him with an average of 266 after three innings.

The importance of his contribution was underlined by Australia’s reply in 11 overs before stumps.

Opener Ed Cowan went for a golden duck, caught at slip by Jacques Kallis off Dale Steyn, and Shane Watson made only 10 before falling leg before to Vernon Philander.

That brought nightwatchman Nathan Lyon to the crease and the well-watered Perth crowd treated him to a standing ovation having mistaken him for Ricky Ponting, who is making his final appearance.

Ponting will receive his ovation some time tomorrow after Australia reached the close without further loss on 33 for two.

The former skipper equalled Steve Waugh’s record of 168 Test caps at the start of play and, at 61 for one, it looked like he might be in for a long shift in the field. But, after losing the toss, Australia ripped out the top order to leave South Africa’s hopes in the hands of Du Plessis.

He steadied the ship, first in a 57-run stand with Robin Peterson (31) and then with Philander (30), who became one of off-spinner Lyon’s three victims just before South Africa passed 200. The two Mitchells, Johnson and Starc, each took two wickets with their pace.

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