LONDON - Proteas Test captain, Faf du Plessis, will miss the first Test match against England starting at Lord’s on Thursday due to family reasons.
Du Plessis returned home for the birth of his first child, but will be unable to return in time for the opening match of the four-Test series.
Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee explained: “Faf’s wife gave birth to their first child last week but the difficult nature of the delivery has delayed his return to the UK.
"The mother and baby have settled at home, but he will be unable to make it back in time to take part in the first Test match. He will link up with the squad in the UK later this week.”
Dean Elgar will captain the side in Du Plessis’ absence, and will become the 12th player since readmission to captain the South African Test team.
Proteas Test squad:
Faf du Plessis (Multiply Titans, capt), Hashim Amla (WSB Cape Cobras), Temba Bavuma (WSB Cape Cobras), Theunis de Bruyn (VKB Knights), Quinton de Kock (Multiply Titans), JP Duminy (WSB Cape Cobras), Dean Elgar (Multiply Titans), Heino Kuhn (Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Multiply Titans), Morne Morkel (Multiply Titans), Chris Morris (Multiply Titans), Duanne Olivier (VKB Knights), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Vernon Philander (WSB Cape Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (bizhub Highveld Lions).
Tour Itinerary:
1st Test – 6 -10 July – Lord’s, London
2nd Test – 14 – 18 July – Trent Bridge, Nottingham
3rd Test – 27 – 31 July – The Oval, London
4th Test – 4-8 August – Old Trafford, Manchester