The Story
England is currently under immense pressure after losing the 2nd Test at Trent Bridge in a dismal fashion. The media has been harsh and the ex-cricketers have come hard at them while assessing the loss. The pressure has surely mounted on new skipper Je Root and his men.
But, while the hosts may be feeling the heat, the circumstances created by the media is certainly proving beneficial for the visitors. The English press has made South Africa realise that they are completely over their opposition.
Situation reminds Faf du Plessis of Australia tour
England’s batting issues have become bare naked, courtesy to the media. And, no one is happier than Faf du Plessis. He feels the sharp criticism is pretty much similar to way Australian media created around their team during South Africa’s tour in November 2016.
“The situation feels very similar to Australia,” du Plessis said. “After the first game in Australia when we beat them, there was quite a bit of press against the Australian cricket team and then we stepped our game up even more in the second Test and then after that, it was a free for all. You could see the Australian team were feeling a bit of pressure.”
“All teams don’t want to feel the pressure and you do feel the pressure when you don’t play your best cricket, that’s part of the game,” du Plessis said.
The Proteas is highly optimistic of making use of pressure which has been mounted on the hosts.
“The England cricket team will be the first to say that they will accept criticism from the last Test match and they will try and brush it off straight away and start a new game fresh and play some good cricket. And we will certainly try and make use of pressure wherever we can.”
England has been surrounded by questions over the selection decisions. The hosts will be coming into the third Test with two confirmed changes with Tom Westley replacing Gary Ballance and Toby Roland – Jones as the seamer if Mark Wood is deemed unfit.
Ballance’s selection was the hottest point of debate as almost everyone agreed that the left hander didn’t deserve a place in the Test side. Ironically, he was ruled out due to an injury.