13/12/2025
The "Adelaide Blockathon" (November 2012)
Du Plessis made his debut in the Second Test match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on November 22, 2012. The series was finely poised, and the match itself was a high-stakes affair.
Innings Contribution
In his first ever Test innings, he demonstrated his composure under pressure, scoring a valuable 78 runs. This helped South Africa recover from a difficult position and post a competitive total in response to Australia's first innings.
The Match-Saving Innings
The defining moment of his debut came in the second innings. South Africa was set a daunting target of 430 runs to win, or more realistically, had to bat for an entire day to save the match and secure a draw.
Du Plessis displayed extraordinary resilience, batting for nearly eight hours (466 minutes) and facing 376 deliveries. He remained unbeaten on 110 (not out)*, becoming the fourth South African to score a century on Test debut.
His monumental effort, combined with support from other players, successfully anchored South Africa to a famous draw.
Named of the Match for his heroic effort.
His debut match is often remembered for this incredible display of mental fortitude and defensive batting, where he successfully defied a potent Australian bowling attack to save the Test for his team.
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-tour-of-australia-2012-13-572992/australia-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-573008/full-scorecard