3 Players who can replace Faf du Plessis as South Africa captain for the third Test against Pakistan

The season of the blockbuster Test series is at it’s fag end, having witnessed dominant performances from all the winning sides. The Proteas have been the most formidable of all the teams, sealing the three-match series by 2-0 against Pakistan at Newlands, Cape Town.

The visitors were undone by a world-class pace bowling attack in their ranks. Although the batting line-up had risen to the occasion, it’s the bowling attack which stood out distinctly. Duanne Olivier was the star performer in both the games, having taken 16 wickets, ably supported by his senior colleagues in Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, and Vernon Philander.

Nevertheless, the word is out that the captain of South Africa Faf Du Plessis has been suspended from the third Test at Johannesburg due to slow-over rate. The sanctions also include a 20 percent match-fee fine on the skipper. The 34-year-old was named the Player of the match for scoring a composed century in the first innings and will be sorely missed as not only a competent batsman but also as a savvy tactician.

Here we take a look at the three possible captaincy options for South Africa for the third Test:

3. Dale Steyn

Perhaps the most outstanding of the fast bowlers of the current generation, Steyn became the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in the longest format in the first Test of the series. The 35-year old is one of the experienced campaigners in the current side, having spent more than a decade in international cricket.

Dale Steyn possesses the perfect blend of being fiercely competitive, intimidating, and being aggressive which makes him a close contender to lead the side. Being the spearhead of the ace pace attack in the world further solidifies his role to become the one to lead the side. Also, the leadership role can bring the best out of him as Steyn has regained full fitness after destiny denied him last year.