Du Plessis: Pakistan won't be a walkover

Proteas captain Faf du Plessis insisted that Pakistan would not roll over and play dead in their upcoming series.
Proteas captain Faf du Plessis insisted that Pakistan would not roll over easily in their upcoming series, adding that every match his men play from here on in will be seen as a dress rehearsal for the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, which gets underway in a little more than three months.
Apart from this two-match hit-out against the side they had just clinically dismantled in the United Arab Emirates, South Africa have only a three-match T20 series against Australia in March to cross their t's and dot their i's.
"It is a big series for us as it is a stepping stone for where we want to be in a couple of months' time," said du Plessis.
Admittedly Pakistan should pose less of a threat because of the void that was left by Mohammad Irfan.
The tall left-armer sustained a hip injury during the last meeting between the sides in Dubai and was replaced by Anwar Ali who has only two wickets to show from the three T20Is he has played for his country.
Heading into Wednesday's contest in Johannesburg, du Plessis and his bowlers will be reminded of just how far Shahid Afridi can hit the ball – the Pakistan legend blasted a 110 metre six off Ryan McLaren at the Bullring in March – while they need no reminder of how small the margin for error in the blitz format of the game is.
"Pakistan will never be a walk-over," du Plessis insisted.
"They are a quality team. Obviously we have been playing really good cricket in the UAE and we've always put them under pressure, but they can be very dangerous on the day and we saw last year at Centurion when we played that once-off T20 that they were excellent."
ODI captain AB de Villiers shared the views of his T20 compatriot as his team prepares for a five-match series.
De Villiers highlighted that it was important for both units to continue showing improvement following an uncharacteristically poor period with the bat in particular.
He also hinted that the evergreen Jacques Kallis' return to the 50-over squad was imminent, adding that the all-rounder would bring a new dimension to their bowling attack.
For De Villiers though, the reality check he and his fellow batsmen had just received had a unifying effect on the team as nearly the entire top order were forced to do some soul searching on tour.
"We represent a very proud cricketing nation and we were not playing up to the standard," De Villiers admitted.
He lauded former coach-turned-consultant, Gary Kirsten, for the "honest" words he had with the senior players and was equally pleased with the way the team responded after failing to step up to the plate in the first two ODIs on tour.
"It came up to a point where realised we are in trouble here as a batting unit," said De Villiers.
"We knew that we were letting the team down and a few heads were probably going to roll if we didn't get it right, so we had to stick together – that was the most important thing."
<b>@Michael_Mentz in Johannesburg</b>
Latest
-
News
Edgbaston officials to investigate allegations of racist abuse among crowd
The claims were highlighted by former cricketer Azeem Rafiq.
-
News
Alex Lees: England have ultimate belief they can complete chase against India
India set the winning line at 378, higher than any England side has ever managed, but the hosts need just 119 more with seven wickets in hand.
-
News
Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow leave England daring to dream against India
No England side has ever hunted down more than 359 but they have their eyes set on a record chase of 378 at Edgbaston.
-
England
England make quick inroads into record chase against India
Alex Lees and Zak Crawley put on 107 for the first wicket after the hosts were set 378 to win.
-
England
England face record run chase despite four wickets on fourth morning of fifth Test
India took their lead beyond 360 at Edgbaston in the series decider.
-
England
England ready to chase down any target India set, says Jonny Bairstow
The tourists established a commanding position, despite Bairstow’s knock of 106.
-
England
England still battling to contain India despite Jonny Bairstow century heroics
Bairstow’s 106 contained 14 boundaries and two sixes, but England still gave up a 132-run lead after being bowled out for 284.
-
England
Jonny Bairstow century heroics for England not enough to keep India at bay
Bairstow made 106 in typically rambunctious style, with 14 boundaries and two sixes.
-
News
In-form Jonny Bairstow leads England charge against India in Edgbaston decider
The Yorkshireman raced to 91 not out as England progressed to 200 for six.
-
News
James Anderson expects England to maintain their aggressive approach
India are in control of Ben Stokes’ team at Edgbaston.