Du Plessis opens up on South Africa’s ’embarrassing’ exit

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has opened up on his feelings after his side’s ’embarrassing’ exit from the Cricket World Cup.
After a disappointing first three weeks of the tournament, the Proteas were dealt the final nail in their coffin on Sunday as they were beaten by Pakistan.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side won the toss and opted to bat first with Haris Sohail their key man as he fired 89, while Babar Azam chipped in with 69 to see them post a competitive 308-7 from their 50 overs.
In reply, the South Africa captain Faf du Plessis scored 63, but none of his Proteas team-mates managed to get beyond a half-century as they subsequently fell short on 259-9.
It leaves the 2015 semi-finalists out of the tournament with just one win – against Afghanistan – from their seven matches so far.
“Yes, definitely [it is the lowest point],” Du Plessis told the media after the loss.
“I’m a very proud player and captain, and playing for South Africa means a lot for me, and the fact that the results we’re dishing out at the moment – you know, it’s really, really tough, and borderline… today, it’s a little bit embarrassing. We’re trying but it’s just not good enough. Obviously I’m human as well, so it will keep chipping at me.
“It’s important that the coach, myself, the senior players, are the guys that needs to front up to this challenge. That’s when your players need you the most. So right now, I need to be there for the other players as well.
“You know, I feel we keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Probably started off with the bowling. Our bowling has been the one thing that’s been working this tournament, and today, a well-below-par performance, probably bar Immy [Imran Tahir], who was exceptional once again.
“But the rest of the guys, probably, you know, five-out-of-ten performance with the ball, 30 runs too many [given away] and the same thing with the bat once again. We’re starting our innings losing wickets again and then we build something nicely, get a partnership going, and then wicket and then wicket.
“I think, as I said, as a player, I’m very proud. But I’ve always said that my most enjoyment that I get from the game playing for South Africa is captaining the side. The fact that we are really underperforming, as I said, chips away at me, as well. It’s really important for me.
“I love captaining this team, and the fact that we are playing way, way below our potential is not something that sits with me well. There’s too much pride for me, and that’s why – I mean, I’m trying as much as I can, but unfortunately not everything is in my hands. You know, if I could, I would get my wand out and get some runs on the table for our batters, but I can’t, unfortunately.
“So it is a challenge, and my character is one that will try and fix as many problems as I can and try and control the areas that I can, but unfortunately, I can’t control everything.”
Latest
-
News
Jonny Bairstow says IPL stints can improve England players across all formats
In years gone by the IPL presented a major bone of contention for players like Kevin Pietersen and the ECB.
-
News
England all-rounder Moeen Ali joins Chennai Super Kings in 2021 IPL auction
Moeen found himself at the centre of a battle for his services.
-
News
Glenn Maxwell joins his dream team after IPL auction bidding war
Glenn Maxwell will get to share a dressing room with his idol AB de Villiers when the 2021 IPL gets underway.
-
News
India stars make rankings charge after mammoth win
India’s second Test heroes have been rewarded with progress in the latest ICC Test rankings.
-
News
Chris Silverwood apologises over way Moeen Ali’s departure was communicated
It has been established that Moeen is merely taking his own allocated break period.
-
News
‘The decision was ours’ – Chris Silverwood clarifies reason for Moeen Ali exit
Captain Joe Root said in a post-match press conference on Tuesday that the all-rounder had “chosen” to leave the tour of India.
-
News
David Warner makes himself available for The Hundred draft
Over 500 players are chasing the remaining 35 selection slots.
-
News
Shubman Gill and Umesh Yadav named in India squad
Gill was hit on the left forearm while fielding at short leg during the hosts’ series-levelling win in the second Test at Chennai.
-
News
‘My heart is clear and time is right’ – Faf Du Plessis retires from Test cricket
The former Proteas captain scored 4,163 runs at an average of 40.02 in his 69 Tests.
-
News
Virat Kohli hails India’s ‘perfect game’ after crushing win over England
India won by 317 runs to square the series at 1-1.