Faf du Plessis won’t play in the first-ever four-day Test match

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been ruled out of the inaugural four-day Test against Zimbabwe on Boxing Day due to a viral infection that postponed his recovery from back and shoulder injuries.

With Du Plessis out, AB de Villiers, who will be playing in his first Test match since January 2016, will take over the captaincy role.

Even though Du Plessis will miss the match against Zimbabwe, South Africa’s team management are optimistic that the 33-year-old will be fit in time for the first Test against India, which begins on January 5 in Cape Town.

“Faf has been making steady progress from the respective back and shoulder injuries and until last week was on track to make a comeback in this match,” South Africa’s team manager Mohammed Moosajee said. “He developed a respiratory tract infection which delayed his recovery this week, and subsequently made it difficult for him to make a full recovery in time for the match.

“He will continue to receive treatment and rehab from our physiotherapist, Craig Govender, and we are hopeful he will recover in time to lead the team for the first Test match against India.”