JOHANNESBURG: South African captain Faf du Plessis may still be unavailable for the first Test against England at Lord’s in London starting next week Thursday.
Du Plessis returned home after the Proteas were eliminated in the group stage of the Champions trophy on June 11 to be with his wife, Imari, who was expecting the couple’s first child.
Imari gave birth on Thursday, but Cricket SA clarified on Friday that the Proteas Test skipper still might not make it back to England in time for the first Test.
“Although Faf’s baby has been born, it is still uncertain he will be back in time for the first Test. It was a difficult birth and he will only fly back to the UK once the baby and mom are settled,” said Proteas media manager Lerato Malekutu.
Proteas opener Dean Elgar will captain the side if Du Plessis is not available.
Proteas coach Russell Domingo has, though, returned to England after returning home during the T20 series after his mother was involved in a car accident.