Faf proud to lead Proteas at the World Cup
Faf du Plessis has spoken with pride and a sense of composure ahead of Thursday's 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup opener where the Proteas will play England at the Oval.
The 34-year-old will lead out South Africa for the first time in a World Cup having made his ODI debut back in 2011.
Since his first start, Du Plessis has grown in stature both as a player and leader and is determined to learn from the experiences of his predecessors.
In the past the likes of Shaun Pollock, Graeme Smith and AB De Villiers have had to shoulder incredible pressure as the Proteas fell short at World Cups.
“Cricket is a very important aspect of all of our lives, but it's not everything,” Du Plessis said.
READ: Proteas relaxed ahead of World Cup opener
“You know, in life, there's a lot more bigger things than winning and losing games of cricket. And that, perhaps, has changed for me. The fact that I'm no longer desperate; I want to win cricket games but I don't need to win them.”
“I think as a team, hopefully that can filter through, because no one taught me that four, five years ago, playing in these events, and hopefully that gives the guys on the rest of the team just a little bit more of a relaxedness to them; that the absolute worst-case scenario, you don't make it, and that's okay, life will go on.”
Du Plessis will earn his 135th cap against England and his 31st as captain, leading the team is what motivates him to play his best cricket.
“As I've said, a lot of times my most enjoyable times playing cricket is when I do captain any cricket team, and especially this one.”
"I'm just excited that it's another opportunity for me to go and do that. You know, get my brain nice and active on the field and tactically thinking about the game all the time.”
Keep up to date with the latest Cricket World Cup action with Myron Naicker as he brings us exclusive updates from England. Find the lastest update in the podcast channel below: