Faf du Plessis bemoans Proteas lack of three-match series in India

Former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis has lamented the lack of a third Test in the on-going series between India and South Africa.

Temba Bavuma’s Proteas claimed a memorable 30-run victory over India in the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata over the weekend. It was South Africa’s first Test win on India soil in 15 years. 

The Proteas now head to Guwahati for the second and final Test, starting on Saturday, hoping to clinch a first series in India for the first time since 2000.

Du Plessis was at the helm of the Proteas on the last tour of India back in 2019 when the visitors played a four-match series, and feels that a three-match series should be a minimum involving teams of such high quality.

"It's unfortunate that there are only two Test matches," du Plessis said.

"That's the downside of the new schedule these days. You almost feel like that, just when you start to get into the series, the series is over.

"I am a fan of minimum three Test matches, but it's something that's been happening a lot more around these days." 

India and England recently played out a highly captivating five-match Test series, which went down to the fifth day of the last Test. The series was tied 2-2.

The Proteas, meanwhile, have only played two-match Test series since the West Indies incoming tour at the start of 2023. It coincided with the Proteas’ run to the World Test Championship title, which they won after beating Australia in a once-off Test at Lord’s in June.

Their last Test three-match series was the tour to Australia in 2022/23.