South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 3rd Test Day 1, 5 Talking Points

#2 Faf du Plessis’ lucky escape

South Africa need du Plessis to play a big innings tomorrow

New Zealand had already wasted their reviews against JP Duminy and lived to regret that decision when Faf du Plessis edged one from Wagner to the keeper.

The umpire turned down the appeal although snicko revealed that there was a tiny edge. The South African skipper was only on 16 at the time and went on to play a typical gritty knock, remaining unbeaten on 33 when stumps was called early.

Much of South Africa's first innings hopes rest on du Plessis as Bavuma, despite a fine knock in the last Test, hasn't been all that consistent and de Kock is still under an injury cloud despite being selected to play.