The charges against Faf du Plessis are ludicrous, as it’s something that’s been happening for the past 20 years.

It’s been happening in County cricket for the past 20 years. People chew gum and shine the ball all the time. There’s sugar in gum, so how do you differ between gum and a mint? I’ve known slip fielders to have mints in their pockets.

The point is that people get away with it, whether they should or not. If there’s scientific evidence that sugar from the saliva on the ball affects the movement of the ball, then artificial substances must be eliminated immediately. But for Faf du Plessis to be the scapegoat is ludicrous.

Effective steps must be taken now to deicde what would would effect the ball and how the players must be stopped from eating these artificial substances.

Having said that, the way the Proteas have handled the situation has been excellent. They’re playing good cricket, they’re in a good space, and I don’t think this will affect them too much in the third Test.

The important thing is that Du Plessis is available, so the attitude must be ‘let’s to continue to play positive cricket’.

There’s such a good buzz in the camp at the moment and it’s shown in their results.

The news that Faf will play in Adelaide will be a relief to the team. He’s an intelligent guy and he’s led well, and I think the way the Proteas rallied behind him to face the media shows the respect they have for him. What I particularly liked about that media briefing, led by Amla, was that they have the confidence to speak their mind.

Proteas sides over the years wouldn’t have responded quite like that before. It’s getting to a stage where our players are sick and tired of letting these issues slide. It’s good to see them make a stand, and it represents the togetherness of drive of the side.

On top of Faf’s leadership, the players themselves have put in some excellent performances, and there’s no reason why they can’t continue that in Adelaide.

Kagiso Rabada has made a massive difference with the ball, and having Quinton de Kock at No 7 has revolutionised out batting displays. No 7 is a deceptively key position. We saw how well Adam Gilchrist used to perform there for Australia. De Kock makes huge contributions there and he’s not afraid to go after the ball.

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