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It was also left to Knight and others to front up to the press after each crushing defeat, each one becoming more awkward and painful, with Lewis waiting until the third T20 in Adelaide - with the series already gone - until he eventually stepped forward.

"As long as we front up and give 100%, which you will because you are wearing the jersey for your country, certain things can happen."

"We know what a quality side South Africa are and the physicality they bring. This week we need to show real courage and front up against the world champions."

“It was almost part of the war effort to keep the front up, to keep your appearance together as much as you could, to keep morale high,” says Durran.

He has to front up to the Covid inquiry on Monday, and on Tuesday there is the first vote on a plan he put his name to that has gone badly wrong.