Score heavy in first innings in Ranchi: Faf tells Proteas batsmen ahead of 3rd Test

Having already lost the three-match series, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has called on his players to come out with an improved performance, especially with the bat when they face India in the final Test beginning Saturday in Ranchi.

The Proteas have not been able to make use of their first innings -- barring the Vizag Test where they managed to score 431 in reply to India’s 502. India, on the other hand, have dominated by getting big runs in their first innings. In the first Test, the hosts scored 502 runs while they put on 601 runs in Pune.

And, du Plessis wants his batsmen to learn from the Indian batters and make most of their first innings in the final Test.

“We need to put big runs on the board in the first innings,” said du Plessis while addressing a press conference on Thursday.

“When you get runs in the first innings anything from there is possible. For us first innings runs will be vital and then anything could happen in the second innings,” he added.

The Proteas skipper also underlined the importance of reverse swing, a thing which has already been stated by their premier pacer Kagiso Rabada.

“It is really important that you prepare as much as you can and make it as tough as possible,” du Plessis said.

“I think wicket will spin, I looked at the pitch and it looks dry and hard. So I think reverse swing and spin will play a factor in this Test match,” he added.

Meanwhile, South Africa opening batsman Aiden Markram has been ruled out of the third and final Test match against India beginning Saturday in Ranchi after he sustained an injury to his right wrist.

According to a Cricket South Africa media release, the injury took place following Markram’s dismissal in the second innings of the second match that saw India go on to win by an innings and 137 runs. In a moment of frustration with his own performance, he lashed out at a solid object, resulting in his injury.

An apologetic Markram, who is already on his way home, said he has learnt from this misadventure of his, taking full accountability of the situation.

“It’s sad to be going home on this note and I completely understand what I’ve done wrong and take full accountability for it. It’s unacceptable in a Proteas environment and to let the team down is what hurts me the most,” said Markram.

“I’ve learned a lot from this and the other players I’m sure, have learned from it as well. We understand in sport that emotions run high and sometimes the frustration gets the better of you as it did for me, but like I said, it’s no excuse. I’ve taken full responsibility for it, I have apologised to the team and hopefully I can make it up to them and the people of South Africa soon,” he added.

No player has been called up as a replacement. Recently, Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh also injured his right hand after he punched his hand on a wall in the dressing room in frustration during a Sheffield Shield match.

South Africa lost the first two Tests played in Visakhapatnam and Pune and will look to play for pride in the third Test in Ranchi.

Seprately, veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh took a sly dig at South Africa’s batting woes in the ongoing Test series against India by asking former cricketer and fielding great Jonty Rhodes to help his nation.

Rhodes posted a picture on social media platform Instagram where he is seen wearing the South Africa jersey with his name written on the back during a photoshoot.

“Feels good to be back in the green and gold, even if it is only for a shoot at the iconic #mehboobstudio in Mumbai,” wrote Rhodes with his post.

Harbhajan took this opportunity to joke about Proteas’ batting problems.”Can u play the last test in Ranchi, SA need some batting Jonty,” Harbhajan replied.

Agencies