Du Plessis proud of batting heroics

South Africa debutant Faf du Plessis was a proud man after seeing his team to a battling draw on the final day of the second Test against Australia in Adelaide.

The right-hander arrived at the crease not long after tea on day four and survived up to the end of the match after batting for 464 minutes in making 110 not out.

Australia went into the final day needing six more wickets but AB de Villiers (33) kept Du Plessis company during the morning and then Jacques Kallis (46) batted into the final session after his fifth-wicket partner fell.

Du Plessis, who also made 78 in the first innings, was naturally thrilled to have played such a major role in the rearguard effort.

"I just tried to keep my game plan very simple," the 28-year-old told reporters. "Make them bowl at me and just take it an hour by an hour.

"If you looked at it yesterday, it was quite a long way away. AB and Jacques really helped me a lot. I had goose bumps - it's the record for the longest goosebumps ever."

There was still 15 minutes to play out when Australian pace bowler Peter Siddle claimed the eighth wicket but Morne Morkel then held firm, playing out 12 deliveries in reaching 8 not out.

Du Plessis said: "Morne was a little bit nervous coming in, but Haydos (Matthew Hayden) as we call him played some serious straight drives at the end there. I just tried to keep him calm because I know it's tough for a tail-ender coming in, especially knowing that if you get out you are carrying the hopes of a nation with you."

The final Test begins on Friday in Perth with South Africa the happier to be going to the WACA on level terms after being on the wrong end of two draws thus far.