“The toughest part of touring is probably playing in India”: Faf du Plessis

South African skipper Faf du Plessis has claimed that touring India will be the toughest part of their World Test Championship campaign. Du Plessis also stated that Test cricket still remained the pinnacle of the game, while also speaking on the future of some of the senior members of the squad.

After a disappointing World Cup campaign, South Africa, are now preparing for a tough tour to India in September. The Proteas will play 3 T20Is and 3 Test matches away against Virat Kohli’s men. While considered a daunting start to the World Test Championship campaign, du Plessis still relishes the challenge of touring the country.

On touring India

Speaking to Sport24.co.za, the South African skipper said:

“Any team will say that within a calendar year or so on the circuit, the toughest part of touring is probably playing in India. It’s a tough start to the Championship for us. Everyone is going to have to play in India eventually, so we might as well start there.”

On Test cricket

“I think that Test cricket is in a really healthy state. All the three format players will still tell you that Test cricket is the purest form of the game. I think fans see that as well. Test cricket is still the ultimate.”

The future of senior players

“We’re a Test team that is very mature and experienced, so we’re probably a year away from some old and experienced heads leaving the game. Right now we’re a team with really good Test players, experienced players, and then the two or three young guys that are coming in and will be the future.”

South Africa’s T20I series in India will begin on September 15 while the Test series will commence on October 2.