Australia vs South Africa 2016: 3rd Test Day 1 - 5 talking points

#3 The bold declaration

The declaration was a surprise move by du Plessis

If du Plessis had surprised the Aussies with his temperament in the wake of booing and controversy, they were in for more surprises. With 9 wickets down and 259 on the board, the South African captain, who was forming a fine partnership with no.11, Shamsi, decided to declare the innings.

The move was to give his fast bowlers a go at the Aussie openers under lights with the new pink ball, the time when it is expected to swing the most. The Australians were least prepared too as they did not even have Warner on the field for enough time to let him open. They were forced to open with Khawaja and Renshaw, both of whom ensured the Proteas’ plan did not work.

Though the ploy from the South African captain did not reap rewards, it was a bold move and a one so un-South African like. Never before had a South African team come Down Under with such confidence and made such brave moves. Despite the failure of the plan, it remains the right move under the given circumstances.