Tuesday, 28 January 2020

Faf du Plessis and the implacable cruelty of cricket

Faf du Plessis is so comically alpha that he can have AB de Villiers as a friend since schooldays and not be overshadowed. AB might be the greater player but he's one of life's handsome wingmen, Ice Man to Faf's Maverick.

Faf du Plessis is so alpha, his box is called 'The Beast'. He wears pink gloves and has pink stickers on his bat in the same way that 1980s lover boys wore a pink shirt, to let the ladies know. His own playing shirts have the sleeves cut high to best display those magnificent triceps.

Faf is so alpha the grill on his helmet is specially adjusted to keep clear of his movie star jawline*. You could shred your fist on that razor-wire stubble. When he was once asked, at a pre-match interview, why Hardus Viljoen wasn't on the teamsheet, he replied, 'because he's in bed with my sister,' and smirked at the camera.

At the Bullring Faf went down with his ship, last hand of a generation on deck. He was done, cooked, the eyes had taken on that thousand-yard stare that skippers who have gone a series too far tend to get. He went into bat in the final innings with South Africa's score at 89-2, almost two days of cricket to play and another 376 needed to win. They had been caned in the last couple of games, and they were getting a further pasting in this one.

He knew the odds. How often would he get out of a similar Test with something, with anything - one time in a hundred? One in thousand? That's why they still talk about Atherton at the Bullring, why VVS Laxman has a wonderful life, eased along by the number 281. From this position in Test match cricket, you don't draw and you don't win. From this position you lose. You always lose.

The pitch had fourth day pub nutter tendencies, overly friendly one moment, threatening to glass you in the face the next. Faf's highest score in the series was 36. Since 2018, he had averaged above 36 in one of the eight series he had played. His career mark was about to dip below 40, which his career didn't deserve.

He dug in anyway. After 40 deliveries, he'd made nine. At the other end, Rassie van der Dussen was playing the innings of his short career, somehow smacking the bowling around, taking a heavy shot in the chest and battling on. The pub nutter pitch appeared temporarily placated. Root brought on Joe Denly. Faf watched from the non-striker's end as Rassie pumped long hops and full tosses over the rope. How he could do with a few of those himself, just to get the muscle memory going, but each time he got on strike Denly hit his length.

He was pleased for the kid anyway. He and a couple of the others were players who could maybe grab the torch and take it on. That's what old fighters hoped for, some kind of legacy. Leave it better than you found it. Mark Wood came back on, and he absolutely pured one off his pads, right out of the middle, easy as the glory days. Stokes, who has the odd pub nutter tendency himself, came back too, and suddenly the pitch was doing all sorts again, every other ball jumping from a length and smacking his gloves.

He got to 35, one short of his best for the series. His career average flickered back above the mark all batsmen want. He had batted for two hours and ten minutes, faced 91 deliveries. Stokes bowled again. He propped forward again and instead of jumping up, the ball hit something and stayed down, took the under edge of the bat and flicked off the bails without touching the stumps at all. He bent even lower, sank to a knee, beaten at last, beaten again.

He'd barely got his pads off when Rassie clothed a drive to short cover, out two short of the maiden century that he'd so deserved. Temba Bavuma, so often the whipping boy on social media, got to 27 before he copped a throat ball from Stuart Broad. He wondered if anyone knew how hard it was to score 27 on that pitch against that sort of bowling, how good you had to be to do that?

It was over. Big Vern got a strangle in his last Test innings. Maybe he deserved more, too. de Kock got out going death or glory, the highest run scorer on either side for the series. He deserved something, surely. There was even a run-out, which always happens in games like these.

Faf du Plessis was comically alpha. He stared the game down, time after time, but the game is cruel and implacable and notions like 'earn' and 'deserve', concepts of karma and reward, exist only in the mind, glimpsed in victory, rued in defeat.

It was all over at last.

* this one may not be true. 'The Beast' box is real, though. And in fairness to his excellent line, Faf went on to explain that his sister and Hardus had just got married.

65 comments:

Writer Relocations said...

Great information, Thank you for sharing and keep posting.
Also check - offers personalized door-to-door services by sea / air comparable to the best in industry.
International relocation companies
Moving from us to india
Shipping household goods from usa to india
Moving to usa from india
Professional relocation & moving company
moving companies quotes
Home Moving Services
long distance removal costs
Expert removal Services
Moving & Relocation service in UK
best rated cross country moving companies
Removal Company & Storage Services
overseas removal company
residential moving services 
professional movers and packers
long distance moving quotes
local moving companies
employee relocation companies

Jeremy said...

This is so inspiring, cricket will always remember these legends

Anonymous said...

Working magic apk 2019
Updated working coc hack
Free coc mod 2019
https://cocmagic.app
https://cocmagic.app/clash-of-clans-hack/
https://cocmagic.app/clash-of-clans-mod-apk/

Anonymous said...

Download GTA SA Obb
Download GTA VC APK obb

Download GTA v date files updated

Unknown said...

Your Affiliate Profit Machine is ready -

Plus, getting it running is as easy as 1...2...3!

Here's how it works...

STEP 1. Tell the system which affiliate products the system will advertise
STEP 2. Add PUSH BUTTON traffic (this LITERALLY takes 2 minutes)
STEP 3. Watch the system grow your list and sell your affiliate products all by itself!

Are you ready to make money automatically??

Click here to activate the system

Veeru said...

Apental
Tiktok Likes Free

Micheal law said...

This is such a nice post, I have been impressed by the unique content it has to offer thanks for sharing, keep updating us.

Garrison said...

I like your content, it's admirable, I have always lacked this talent of creating unique content, I appreciate that.

Debbie hall said...

Thanks for sharing such nice and informative post, this is such a nice blog for cricket lovers to get interesting info, keep up the great work.

hrroman said...

If you are looking for the Finance Accounting Assignments help then in this case you can opt for our Finance Accounting Assignments help.we provide the best Accounting and Finance Assignment.We also provide Financial Accounting Assignment Help for students across the globe. for more information contact us +16692714848.

Gold Smith said...

I read this artical two to three time your idea skills is amazing. I also found the interesting games. You also check out and download here.

Saqib Jutt said...

Want free chatting app? Then download GBWhatsapp from https://gbwhatsapk.com/

Hamza Chodry said...

GTA 5 Mobile Download

Anonymous said...

Watch Live Cricket Today at free of cost in HD form and enjoy every cricket match without missing anything.

Anonymous said...

Check the ration card details of the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS) beneficiaries in various states. Users can find state-wise details of beneficiaries, allocation ...

up ration card list

Admin said...

GTA 5 APK

Unknown said...

I am still new in the world including blogging, so I am still confused, what is the best blog, dofollow or nofollow? because many people say that the blog dofollow is less favored by google search .. let me know the correct, please!
https://pvainsta.com/cheap-instagram-accounts/

Anonymous said...

Independent call girls nehru place ##
Independent call girls paschim vihar ##
Independent call girls rk puram ##
Independent call girls rohini ##
Independent call girls saket ##

Cyrus Jenix said...

kids jacket & kids thriller jacket are good for wear. Thank you for share this informative post.

ghostus said...

Gledaj Online The 100 HD, Serija: The 100 Sve Epizode Sa prevodom Online besplatno bez registracije serijeonline The 100 Sve Sezone Online

Rajat Saraswat said...

Thank you for this great information sharing with us. I hope this information will help users. You can also check or read Movguru global relocation offers comprehensive international relocations solutions for the UAE Dubai. International relocation partner, offering customized and innovative global relocation in Dubai UAE. You can also try these services mention below list.

INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION
LOCAL/DOMESTIC MOVING
OFFICE RELOCATION
AUTOMOBILE RELOCATION
INDUSTRIAL RELOCATION
PET RELOCATION
STORAGE / WAREHOUSING

Pedro Egger said...

99papers is an online writing service that is reputable with incredible professionalism, affordable prices, and work quality. The writers free porn for women are mainly composed of high-level writers from UK and US residents writer that are highly effective with both practical and hands-on knowledge of a wide variety of subjects.

نقل اثاث دبي said...

Thanks fore sharing.We provide neatness and fineness work.
We Provide Professional & Insured Moving, Packing, Relocation,
Removals, International Freights, movers in dubai & Storage Services in Dubai.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this great information sharing with us. I hope this information will help users. You can also check or read Interem relocation services company offers comprehensive international relocation solutions for the many locations where users want to relocate. International relocation partner, offering customized and innovative Relocation services. Some services mention below.


Relocation companies
International Moving companies
International Packers and movers
data center relocations
Factory Shifting services
Global relocation service
Car relocation services
Domestic Packers and movers

buy instagram pva accounts said...

There is alot to do for digital marketing but having bulk Instagram accounts is best because Instagram accounts are really the best platform to boost up your product marketing. So we suggest to buy instagram pva accounts

faysal Imran Hridoy said...

I’m so excited to share that adventurers around the globe will be able to join a stretch of the journey virtually as we take you aboard the Jungle Cruise and beyond. Tune in for a special live stream featuring the World Premiere of Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” Red Carpet event hosted from Disneyland Park on July 24, right here on the Disney Parks Blog. Jungle Cruise Full HD Movie online

faysal Imran Hridoy said...

Here is a list of all of the different, active Roblox codes you can use in the game this month! How To Get Free Robux

Live Sports said...

Roblox is a platform used by people from all over the world to create their own games. You can design your own games using the Roblox platform. You can also use the same platform to play games created by other users. roblox robux generator
how to get free robux easy
roblox free robux generator
free robux generator
free roblox robux codes
free robux generator 2021
real robux generator
How To Get Free Robux

La Mascia – Sports accessories online The complete sports destination. said...

The best online Cricket store in India

We give the world the God of Cricket. Inspired by the stories of the great, we here at La Mascia are the best cricket store online in India. We incorporate with the leading global brands in cricket like Adidas and Nike to give our valuable consumers only the best in Cricketing.
visit our website be a part of the greatest cricketing community
http://lamacsia.unaux.com/the-best-online-cricket-store-india/

KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology said...

A very inspiring blog your article is so convincing.
Top colleges in coimbatore | Best engineering colleges in coimbatore

ovalsports said...

faf du plessis is one of the best batsmen in south Africa team I like his batting style.

Bkmoversuae.Com بيت الخليج نقل الاثاث said...

Professional Movers and Packers in Umm Al Quwain will help you in your shifting

LerenJack said...

Thank you for sharing an article such as a great informative post keep sharing article Lerenjack - Mens Black Leather Jacket

Bkmoversuae.Com بيت الخليج نقل الاثاث said...

So if you’re looking for the best home movers is Sharjah then feel free to connect to bsmoveruae today.

Unknown said...

Here is a list of all of the different, active Roblox codes you can use in the game this month! Click here to check out.

Anna said...

I read this article. I think You put a great deal of exertion to make this article. I like your work. Movies Jacket

Professional movers and packers in Dubai said...

Hi Nice Blog post thanks for sharing
affordable Packing Services company
Best International Movers and Packers in Dubai

MRk Medical In Birmingham UK said...

Hi Nice Blog post thanks for sharing
Rosen Round Ear Specula

Anabel said...

Homescapes Mod APK

Transon Movers said...

TransOn Movers is a complete logistics solutions provider, we offer international relocation, domestic relocation, office shifting, industrial relocation, automobile relocation and more

Majortotosite Pro said...

Your post got my attention and shows me different perception for how we should boost our site. This is a really perfect for a new blogger like me who doesn’t want their site to be messy with those spammers who don’t even read your post but they have the guts to comment in your site. Thanks again. 토토

Totopick Pro said...

I can read all the opinions of others as well as i gained information to each and everyone here on your site. Just keep on going dude. Check over here: 토토

Permanent Glow said...

Thanks for sharing this article
Permanent Makeup Post Care

Amelie Zilber said...

This is a great inspiring article. I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information Superheros Jackets

aljani said...

#1 The Best Apps and Games For Android · Apk Module
https://apkmodule.com/soundcloud-mod-apk/
SoundCloud Mod Apk

APKChew said...

https://apkchew.com/magic-rampage/

Guy's Dating Room said...

Check out our website one piece treasure cruise unlimited gems

Derek Lafortune said...

Hmm , very informative article about implacable cruelty of cricket! Thanks to author for it! Don't you think it's worth make a video on this article and post it on Youtube? There a large audience of users will be able to see it and give you a solution to the problem. You can also always buy youtube subscribers in order to wind up their number.

Damneteba said...

Feel free to play https://apkworlds.com/dragon-city/

VanDam said...

As inventions abound, it is always difficult for users to rely on a single program or application. That is why today we believe in access to unlimited objects in our hobby of entertainment. Popcorn Time APK

Movers Dubai said...

Nice and helpful blog for everyone. We are best helping company for Movers and packers In Dubai, Movers Sharjah, Abu Dhabi Movers.
https://trendmoversdubai.com/trend-movers-and-packers-complete-guide-about-moving-in-dubai/
https://trendmoversdubai.com/movers-and-packer-in-ajman/
https://trendmoversdubai.com/
WWW.TRENDMOVERSDUBAI.COM

Tarp said...

Very informative article!

Truck Tarp

quotesmanee said...

The information is just great, if you also like to share the love status like https://quotesmanee.com/zindagi-mummy-papa-status/
then you should check more status for your whatsapp

Emilia said...

Thanks for sharing this article. Nice Blog post thanks.

Buy led street light with day night sensor in Vadodara

Apk-360 said...

https://apk-360.com/huawei-health-mod-apk-free-download/

Apk-360 said...

Jokar TV Mod Apk

Movie Jacket said...

This is the first time that I visit here. I found so many exciting matters in this particular blog, One thing I would like to request you that pls keep posting such type of informative blog

Remote Jobs Portal said...

"Find the best Remote Jobs
from top companies. Build your career with remote jobs across the globe"

marry said...

Excellent and helpful information is provided here. I appreciate the website's owner for genuinely sharing this site's excellent job. I'm happy to provide us with this useful knowledge. Keep it that way, please. I'm passing along this article on how to repair the camera on an MSI laptop. so read this article by clicking here Fix MSI Laptop Camera. Thank you a lot.

Tiffanie Pena said...

Your writing is always engaging, thought-provoking, and useful. I must also propose the latest click per second profile. Since using this addon, I've seen a significant improvement in my clicking speed. It's certainly worth a go.

Moneyminors said...

Outsourcing accounts payable is a strategic business practice in which a company delegates its accounts payable processes to a third-party service provider. This arrangement allows organizations to streamline and enhance their financial operations by leveraging the expertise and resources of specialized outsourcing firms. In the context of accounts payable, tasks such as invoice processing, vendor management, payment processing, and reconciliation are typically outsourced to optimize efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Moneyminors said...

As the business landscape continues to evolve, the finance and accounting sector is experiencing a transformation driven by technological advancements, globalization, and changing consumer expectations. Outsourcing finance and accounting services has become a strategic imperative for many organizations seeking to stay competitive and agile. Looking ahead, several key trends are expected to shape the future landscape of outsourced finance and accounting services:





Payless Merchant Solutions said...

PMS is the leading provider of real & secure merchant servicess for small businesses offering mobile payments, and internet payment gateways. Get Started!

Guy's Dating Room said...

Just played 'Mystic Realms'—stunning graphics, deep customization, and an engaging story. A must-play RPG.New Mini Militia

shiju said...

Hi Guys! We are one of the best movers and packers in Dubai, provides top services for residential and commercial relocations, ensuring a stress-free experience for our valued customers.
just follow us!
https://wrapitmoversdubai.ae/