SA v ZIM: Proteas not rushing to conclusion over availability of Faf du Plessis

Team South Africa is all set to lock horns with neighbors Zimbabwe in the Boxing Day Test this year. However, there are dark clouds over the participation of their Test skipper, Faf du Plessis, in the historic game. The match is set to be a historic one for many reasons. It will be the first ever four-day Test match in the history of the international cricket.

Also, the match would be the first day-night Test for the Zimbabwean team. The selectors recently named the South Africa squad for the one off Test game. Earlier, Zimbabwe Cricket had also named two rookie players in their squad for the big match. The convener of selectors of Cricket South Africa recently spoke on the availability of Faf du Plessis.

Du Plessis recently suffered a back injury, following which, his participation in the Boxing Day Test came under the dark clouds. The convener noted that it is too early to rule him out of the fixture. CSA is taking one day at a time to see how Faf du Plessis shapes up ahead of the game. In case he gets fit, he will play the game, the convener told Sport24.

“We’re taking it day by day and that is why he is in our squad until a final decision is made. We do have a plan in terms of the stand-in captain who feel would be best suited to the role. We did use Dean Elgar in England, and if need be we will make a call closer to the time,” quoted Linda Zondi.

Stand-in skipper

The convener mentioned that they have not yet decided who would be the stand in skipper if Faf is not available for the game. In all probability, Dean Elgar or Aiden Markram could be handed the captaincy hat.