Remembering Faf du Plessis' four memorable Test knocks on his birthday

Francois Du Plessis, fondly known as Faf among the cricket fraternity, is celebrating his 38th birthday today. 

Faf has been one of the talismans of South African cricket, and his performances speak for that. Apart from being an excellent batter and a calm and composed captain, he is also a live wire on the field.

Let's relive the former Proteas skipper's top four Test knocks on his birthday.  

110* vs Australia, Adelaide, November 2012

First up on the list is the iconic innings that showed the world what Faf du Plessis was truly capable of. The 110* he made against the Australians was a career-defining knock for him. 

Faf made his Test debut when South Africa were trying to defend their Test mace in Australia. 

The first Test ended in a draw, and the hosts had an advantage on the final day of the second Test. Faf faced 376 balls, and after being dropped at 94, he went on to score his first Test century. 

Even though he got one lucky reprieve, one cannot take away from the brilliance of this knock as it speaks volumes for his immense concentration and temperament in his debut game. 

134 Vs India, Johannesburg, December 2013

Faf made one of the most impressive entries into the international Test arena by scoring a scintillating ton, but soon the form deserted him. 

In the lead-up to the Johannesburg Test against India in December 2013, he had not crossed fifty in his last eight innings.

After India managed to set South Africa a target of 458, and the latter batting on 138 for two at the end of the fourth day, victory seemed a far-fetched possibility.

Faf then stitched a 205-run partnership with his old mate AB de Villiers. He battled extremely hard in the middle and hit a gritty 309-ball-134, ensuring a fighting draw for South Africa. 

118* vs Australia, Adelaide, November 2016

This century in Adelaide Test was memorable as Faf bailed his team out of a tricky spot - from 44 for 3 to over 250 runs. 

Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, Faf held the fort for the Proteas as he slammed a gorgeous 118 off 164 balls. 

Faf considers this performance his best in Tests, even though South Africa lost the game.

199 vs Sri Lanka, Centurion, December 2020

Faf's dwindling form raised many questions about his place in the Test team ahead of this match. And the cricket star answered in style against Sri Lanka. 

He agonisingly fell short of a double-century by one run when he was caught attempting a glory shot on 199. 

A Test average of just over 40 doesn't really place Faf among the legends of the format. 

However, the dynamism he used to bring into the side was unmatchable. He served South Africa with distinction for ten long years, notching up 11198 runs at a healthy average of 42.25. 

He was simultaneously a commander who led his troops in the battle and a dedicated soldier who fought for his men till the end.