South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has warned Australia over losing their aggression as they look to bring about a change of image following the furore over the ball-tampering scandal.
Du Plessis and his men are set to take on the Aussies in a one-off T20 at the Gold Coast on Saturday. The Proteas had won the preceding three-match ODI series between the two sides 2-1.
Addressing the media ahead of the clash, the Proteas skipper spoke about how Australia’s attempt to overhaul their cricket culture could go against the side’s strengths.
“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,” Du Plessis was quoted as saying by The Australian.
“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.
The South Africans ran out 2-1 victors in the ODI series.
“But don’t become someone you are not. When guys are not authentic they are not the best cricketers they can be.”
Ever since Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were implicated in the ball-tampering saga which erupted in Newlands earlier in the year, Australian cricket has been trying to overhaul its image under new coach Justin Langer.
The South African skipper revealed that sledging from Australia had reduced in the ODI series.
“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,” said Du Plessis.
“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.”