IPL auction during final Test will distract South Africa: Faf du Plessis

With the Indian Premier League auction set to get under way on the scheduled fourth day of the final Test between India and South Africa, Faf du Plessis, the captain, was candid in conceding that his players could be distracted by the event

Faf du Plessis

With the Indian Premier League auction set to get under way on the scheduled fourth day of the final Test between India and South Africa, Faf du Plessis, the captain, was candid in conceding that his players could be distracted by the event.

"Well, we don't have our phones, so it's difficult to check. There will be distractions, that is normal, it's human. The IPL plays a big part in all of our lives," said du Plessis. "For the management and myself, it's important to make sure we keep the focus and the energy driving towards the Test match. "And at the end of the day's play, if we want to talk about the auction a little bit, we can do that but to make sure that the next day, when it's Test match time again, we are switched on and focused."

There was no doubt that the team was completely switched on ahead of the game. Aiden Markram had recovered from his mild left quadricep strain, and was good to go, and the big decision for South Africa was whether to include Andile Phehlukwayo, the seam bowling all-rounder, or Theunis de Bruyn, a hard-hitting batsman who also bowls useful seam.

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here

Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!