“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”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been ruled out of the first Test against England at Lord’s as he wants to stay with his wife following the “difficult” birth of their first child.

Du Plessis, however, will head back to England later in the week to start preparing for the second Test, which will begin on July 14 in Nottingham.

With Du Plessis out, Dean Elgar will step in as captain for the first time in a Test match, while Theunis de Bruyn or Aiden Markram, who has yet to make his Test debut, will take his spot on the roster.

“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,” South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said. “The mother and baby have settled at home, but (Faf) 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.”

The first Test will get underway on Thursday.