India thrashed South Africa in the second Test and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Despite losing the series, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has asked his players to give their best shot with the bat when they face India in the third and final Test in Ranchi on Saturday.

“We need to put big runs on the board in the first innings,” Faf du Plessis said while speaking in the press conference on Thursday. “When you get runs in the first innings anything from there is possible. For us first innings runs will be vital and then anything could happen in the second innings,” he added.

The visitors have struggled to post big scores on the board which helped India win the games. India, on the other hand, have dominated the series by both the bat and ball. India scored 502 runs in Vizag, whereas they posted 601 runs in Pune. Faf du Plessis also asked his batsmen to learn from Indian batsmen ahead of the third Test.

“It is really important that you prepare as much as you can and make it as tough as possible,” Faf du Plessis said.

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Moreover, South Africa opener Aiden Markram has been ruled out of the final Test after he sustained an injury in his right wrist. According to a media release of Cricket South Africa, the injury took place when Markram lashed out at a solid object after his dismissal in the second innings of the second Test that India won by an innings and 137 runs.

However, Virat Kohli shared that India will not relax and will be trying to whitewash South Africa to extend their lead in the ICC World Test Championship points.