Faf’s raves and regrets after the Sri Lankan whitewash

Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis was naturally very pleased with his team’s 5-0 ODI series whitewash, highlighting how they have probably accomplished what they set out to achieve in their last competitive series before the World Cup.

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But there were a few things he wished had turned out differently.

Rave: Imran Tahir’s form

His current bowling form is up there with the best he’s bowled in his career. We’ve always know that he bowls a very dangerous googly and slider. He’s added a big leg-spinner to that arsenal and that’s going to make him an even bigger weapon. He hasn’t knicked off a lot of batsmen in his career and he’s doing that now. It’s very good that he’s improving. This series gave him a good send-off. 

Regret: Aiden Markram being denied the opportunity to convert a fine platform at Newlands (due to floodlight failure)

There were quite a few things I would’ve liked to unfold. Aiden was one of them, batting well and getting some runs. We all know he’s a very good player, but it’s all about turning that corner (in ODIs) and making a bit more runs. I was still chuffed for him. It was the same for the rest of the batting line-up, a chance for JP Duminy and Rassie van der Dussen and maybe even for Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo, especially in a chase. There was still a bit of pressure they could’ve performed under. 

Rave: The series result and the overall objectives that were achieved

It’s great to win 5-0, but it was more about making sure we worked on a few things and improved on them, which I felt we did. After the second game, we didn’t bat as well as we good and we improved after that. From a wicket-taking capability, we saw that our attack can bowl teams out. The results came and its great.

Regret: Whether the IPL is really the best way to stay match-fit before the World Cup

The IPL is there and you can’t change the IPL. But I think all teams would say ‘yes’ to international cricket leading up to the World Cup being the perfect road towards the tournament. However, the current scenario is the same to all international teams. You can only play what’s in front of you and we’ve played good cricket in this series. Wherever you play now, you need to make sure you look after your game so that you’re in the best possible form when you climb onto the plane to England.

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