Du Plessis ton drives SA ‘A’ against India A

Jean du Plessis’ defiant ton and a career-best knock from Rubin Hermann steered South Africa A (SA ‘A’) to 298/5 on the second day of the first four-day match against India A at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Tuesday.

Du Plessis impressed with an unbeaten 103 (207 balls, 8 fours and 1 six), while Hermann fell agonisingly five runs short of his maiden first-class century (95 off 146 balls, 15 fours).

The match finally got under way after no play was possible on day one due to rain and a wet outfield, with the hosts opting to bat first after winning the toss.

The visitors struck in just the second over of the day when Vidhwath Kaverappa (1-52) had Cameron Shekleton caught for nought.

Yaseen Valli and Hermann combined to add 72 for the second wicket before Sourabh Kumar (3/83) bowled the former through the gate for 16.

His departure brought Du Plessis to the crease, and together with Hermann, the pair played positively for their 84-run partnership.

The latter eventually fall after he played one from Kumar straight to Dhruv Jurel at mid-off.

SA ‘A’ captain Bryce Parsons added 24 before he fell to Shardul Thakur (1-33).

Meanwhile, former SA Under-19 batter Du Plessis confidently saw out the Indian attack and brought up his hundred with his eighth boundary of the innings.

Kumar got a late breakthrough as he pinned Connor Esterhuizen (48 off 54 balls, 6 fours and 2 sixes) leg before wicket to bring an end to an entertaining knock.

That left Evan Jones (5*) and Du Plessis to face the last two overs of the day.