Australian cricketers hurt, tame: Faf du Plessis says

Proteas captain Faf du Plessis says the mental scars from the ball-tampering scandal were obvious during his side’s recent tour.

Faf du Plessis says Australia’s cricketers have been left wounded by the ball-tampering scandal. Picture: Getty

South African captain Faf du Plessis says the psychological scars inflicted on the Australian cricket team by the ball-tampering scandal were noticeable during his side’s recent tour.

Returning home to South Africa as 2-1 one-day international series victors, du Plessis said the hosts had been “tame” and he could sense why.

“It’s difficult to experience the hurt that Australian cricket is going through if you’re not there. The public is angry at what happened,” du Plessis told local reporters.

Last week the Proteas ace urged the Australians not to sacrifice their aggressive style.

“There is a transition they are going through at the moment where they are trying to build up a new culture however long that will take,” he said. “But I believe you should never take away your uniqueness or strength.

“Obviously there are laws which you can’t cross but if your strength is to get inside guys faces then use that.

“But don’t become someone you are not. When guys are not authentic they are not the best cricketers they can be.

“I really enjoy the challenge of playing against Australia. It’s a very competitive game and that brings the beast out of me,” he said. “Australia is probably the hardest to play against because they were the fiercest.

“Comparing that to now you can see they are obviously trying to minimise it more and let the cricket do the talking.

“That is where the game is heading anyway. Chirping is not a big part of cricket ... there has been big difference in the way they talk in the field.”

AAP