With the four-match series level at 1-1, South Africa and Australia this week meet in the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town on Thursday.
Speaking to the media on Monday, captains Faf du Plessis and Steve Smith said they were happy with how competitive the first two games were, and are looking forward to playing more good cricket.
A number of sideshows have dominated Australia’s tour so far. David Warner and Quinton de Kock were both fined and given demerit points after nearly coming to blows during the first Test in Durban.
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Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was then suspended for the remainder of the four-match series after making contact with Smith in the second Test in Port Elizabeth. Rabada’s appeal after being found guilty was scheduled to be heard on Monday morning.
‘I think it’s been a series played in reasonably good spirits, to be honest,’ said Smith.
‘Obviously, a couple of indiscretions here and there, but I think the cricket has been exceptional. We’re at the halfway point now with things sitting at one-all. It makes for an exciting series,’ he said.
Smith’s sentiments were shared by South African counterpart Du Plessis, who added: ‘Obviously, it’s a nice buildup to a series. That’s what it comes down to. Everything that’s happened in the media adds to the competitiveness.
‘On the field, it hasn’t been like that. If you take the thousand overs of cricket that’s been played, there have been like two or three balls of stuff that they’ve picked on.
‘It’s just a standard series against South Africa and Australia; it’s good, competitive cricket,’ said Du Plessis.
Video: Cricket South Africa
The two captains say a word on what’s happened in build up to the third #SunfoilTest. #StandardBankBreakfast @faf1307 @stevesmith49 pic.twitter.com/psFcKnYdKo
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 19, 2018
Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
