Commentator Mike Haysman proposes his pick as South Africa's stand-in skipper

South Africa won the first T20I of the three-match series against Pakistan by six runs in Cape Town on Friday and took a lead in the series. Batting first, the hosts posted a total of 192 for 6 in their quota of 20 overs owing to brilliant half-centuries by skipper Faf du Plessis and opener Reeza Hendricks. Pakistan, the number one ranked T20 side, started really well with the chase, however, fell shy by six runs. Cricket South Africa soon after decided to rest skipper du Plessis for the remainder of the series.

In the opening game, vice-captain David Miller was a key figure in helping them restrict the chase; he was twice involved in run outs and held four catches. The impact of his efforts was such that he was named the Man of the Match for his fielding having contributed just 10 with the bat. For Pakistan, three players breached the 30-run mark, however, losing wickets at crucial stages hampered their chase and they ended up losing the game.

Du Plessis in the presentation ceremony of the first match was asked about his replacement to lead the side in remaining T20Is by commentator/presenter Mike Haysman. Faf didn’t answer him immediately and jokingly offered Mikey to pick the stand-in captain for the side on behalf of the team management.

The 57-year-old former cricketer, today, came up with his pick on Twitter in an unusual way. Instead of naming the skipper directly, Haysman put up six points about his choice and asked Faf to reply back to him over DM before he makes the official announcement of the name in the press conference at 4 pm.

It was clear from the points mentioned by the commentator that his choice to replace Faf as captain was Tabraiz Shamsi. Shamsi was quick to respond to the tweet and jokingly asked his skipper about how he feels about Hayman’s choice. The Pretoria born termed the choice as excellent and further asked the left-arm chinaman bowler whether he is up for the challenge or not to which Shamsi replied yes only if Vice-Captain David Miller won’t mind.

Here’s the full conversation:

Hi @faf1307… further to your offer at the Presentation last night for me to name my captain for the last 2 T20's … here is my pick. I am sending you this DM in strict privacy (and politeness) and will announce later. Please reply by DM before my Press Announcement at 4pm. pic.twitter.com/2kEj0u70lL

— Mike Haysman (@MikeHaysman) February 2, 2019

Hahahahaha what u say @faf1307 ?? @MikeHaysman made some great points here 😂😂😂 https://t.co/NFCyJGUPJe

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) February 2, 2019

@MikeHaysman exellent choice Haysie.. like your outbthe box thinking. Shammo you up for it? https://t.co/PswljssRZT

— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) February 2, 2019

Absolutely @faf1307… I'm sure @DavidMillerSA12 wont mind lol https://t.co/p3jLVscbbH

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) February 2, 2019

David Miller has been named the stand-in skipper by CSA for the remainder of the T20I series against Pakistan. The second match will be played on February 3 at Johannesburg.

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