<p>Faf du Plessis battled dehydration and cramping during a match-defining century on Monday, but said the pain and fatigue had made carrying South Africa to a draw in the second Test against Australia all the more sweet.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Du Plessis scored 78 in the first innings to help his team avoid the follow-on and an unbeaten 110 in the second as he steered South Africa to safety with only two wickets in hand in a dream debut at Adelaide.<br /><br />“I think it just makes it a little bit more sweet,” the 28-year-old all-rounder told reporters of his exhaustion, having batted through the whole day in stifling heat.<br /><br />“The story wouldn't have been that nice if my body was all feeling fine. One day when I look back, I can look back and say I pushed through the physical side of things.<br /><br />“It just shows how far you can go if you're mentally strong enough.”<br />Named man-of-the-match, Du Plessis came to the crease with South Africa reeling at 45-4 shortly after tea on day four and with seemingly little hope of salvation.<br /><br />Anchoring watchful partnerships of 89 runs with schoolmate AB de Villiers and 99 with injured all-rounder Jacques Kallis, Du Plessis found himself thrust into the role of saviour as his batting partners crumbled around him late in the day.<br /><br />Along the way, Du Plessis survived two lbw decisions given by umpire Billy Bowden in quick succession when in the 30s, with both over-ruled on video review. He edged a catch to Matt Wade off the bowling of pace bowler Ben Hilfenhaus but the wicket-keeper fumbled the chance to grant Du Plessis another reprieve on 94.<br /><br />After moving to 98 after tea, Du Plessis was stuck there for about half an hour as Australia's bowlers ramped up the pressure.</p>
<p>Faf du Plessis battled dehydration and cramping during a match-defining century on Monday, but said the pain and fatigue had made carrying South Africa to a draw in the second Test against Australia all the more sweet.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Du Plessis scored 78 in the first innings to help his team avoid the follow-on and an unbeaten 110 in the second as he steered South Africa to safety with only two wickets in hand in a dream debut at Adelaide.<br /><br />“I think it just makes it a little bit more sweet,” the 28-year-old all-rounder told reporters of his exhaustion, having batted through the whole day in stifling heat.<br /><br />“The story wouldn't have been that nice if my body was all feeling fine. One day when I look back, I can look back and say I pushed through the physical side of things.<br /><br />“It just shows how far you can go if you're mentally strong enough.”<br />Named man-of-the-match, Du Plessis came to the crease with South Africa reeling at 45-4 shortly after tea on day four and with seemingly little hope of salvation.<br /><br />Anchoring watchful partnerships of 89 runs with schoolmate AB de Villiers and 99 with injured all-rounder Jacques Kallis, Du Plessis found himself thrust into the role of saviour as his batting partners crumbled around him late in the day.<br /><br />Along the way, Du Plessis survived two lbw decisions given by umpire Billy Bowden in quick succession when in the 30s, with both over-ruled on video review. He edged a catch to Matt Wade off the bowling of pace bowler Ben Hilfenhaus but the wicket-keeper fumbled the chance to grant Du Plessis another reprieve on 94.<br /><br />After moving to 98 after tea, Du Plessis was stuck there for about half an hour as Australia's bowlers ramped up the pressure.</p>