World gig flatters Faf du Plessis … but for a different reason

The legend of Faf du Plessis keeps growing.

It’s hard not to feel so after he was named the captain of a World XI that will play Pakistan in a three-match T20 series next month.

For the past year, the 33-year-old Proteas stalwart has impressed all with his astute leadership.

Under him, South Africa have only lost one out of nine series across all formats.

However, before one becomes too excited a little perspective is important.

A Proteas skipper leading a World XI is not something new.

In 2005, when the International Cricket Council (ICC) organised a one-sided mini-tour of a World XI to Australia, Graeme Smith was captain of the Test side.

It casually suggests that Proteas skippers just generally command respect among world peers.

Of course, maybe Du Plessis was simply chosen because the Proteas are the one international side without engagements during that time.

But that’s unfair.

Du Plessis has truly differentiated himself as a savvy, flexible leader.

It doesn’t really matter what type of team he’s leading – it’s not as star-studded as it’s being marketed – but rather the symbolism.

Du Plessis is guiding a team for the first international series in Pakistan since 2009, who have been prevented from doing so due to continued domestic security issues.

“I look forward to my maiden tour to Lahore and play my part in the safe and gradual resumption of international cricket in Pakistan,” he said.

“As a player, I understand the importance of playing in front of home crowds and that is something I’m sure the Pakistan players will relish. As professionals, we are getting paid to play in the series. But the bottom-line is that if we didn’t feel safe, no amount of money would get us there. In this background, we will land in Lahore with nothing except cricket in our minds.”

If this series proves a success – even if it was merely about the players being kept safe – Du Plessis will leave a lasting legacy.

World XI squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir, Samuel Badree (West Indies), Darren Sammy (West Indies), Paul Collingwood (England), George Bailey (Australia), Ben Cutting (Australia), Tim Paine (Australia), Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh), Grant Elliott (New Zealand), Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka).

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