Explorer

Du Plessis ruled out of Boxing Day Test, de Villiers to lead

Johannesburg [South Africa], Dec 26 (ANI): South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has been ruled out of the inaugural day-night Test against Zimbabwe after his recovery from shoulder and back injuries was delayed by a viral infection.

The 33-year-old has not played any Cricket after sustaining an acute lumbar disc injury during the third ODI against Bangladesh late October and was subsequently sidelined for six weeks.

During his injury lay-off, du Plessis laos underwent a surgery on a problematic shoulder during that period and, therefore, was forced to miss the recently-concluded Ram Slam. He was also not named in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Invitation XI for a warm-up match against Zimbabwe.

However, du Plessis' return to full fitness was delayed after he picked up a viral infection in the week leading up to the game.

While confirming the news, South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said he was hopeful having du Plessis fit in time for the first Test against India, which is slated to be held from 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. 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 starting in Cape Town on January 5th," Moosajee said.

In du Plessis' absence, AB de Villiers, who makes his return to Test whites for the first time since January 2016, has been named as the stand-in captain for the one-off match.

Reflecting on de Villiers' appointment, National Selection Panel Convenor, Linda Zondi said that the former has led the side in both the limited-overs and Test formats and that his experience would be invaluable for the side.

"It is unfortunate that Faf is missing out due to injury but we would rather take the precaution ahead of a busy summer of cricket at home. AB has captained South Africa in both the limited-overs and Test formats and his experience and expertise will be invaluable for this first Test match of the season. This is a one-off appointment and we thank AB for accepting the decision at such short notice," Zondi said.

Following the lone Test against Zimbabwe that is set to begin today, South Africa are slated to host India for three-match Test series, six ODIs and three T20Is. (ANI)


This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headline

I.N.D.I.A Bloc In Bihar: Here's How Congress, RJD Have Decided To Share Seats After JD-U's Exit
I.N.D.I.A Bloc In Bihar: Here's How Congress, RJD Have Decided To Share Seats After JD-U's Exit
'BJP Should Pay Rs 4,600 Crore': Congress Slams Income Tax Dept, ECI After Getting Rs 1,700-Crore Notice
'BJP Should Pay Rs 4,600 Crore': Congress Slams Income Tax Dept, ECI After Getting Rs 1,700-Crore Notice
Another Blow To Congress As I-T Dept Serves Rs 1,700-Crore Notice Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections: Report
Another Blow To Congress As I-T Dept Serves Rs 1,700-Crore Notice Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections
Sunita Kejriwal Launches WhatsApp Campaign To Drum Up Support For Jailed Delhi CM
Sunita Kejriwal Launches WhatsApp Campaign To Drum Up Support For Jailed Delhi CM
Advertisement
for smartphones
and tablets

Videos

ABP Shikhar Sammelan 2024: BJP Leader &  Minister of Urban Development Hardeep Puri On CAABihar Seat Sharing: RJD to contest the upcoming polls on 26 seats-Sources | Elections 2024 |ABP NewsABP Shikhar Sammelan 2024: Anurag Thakur takes a jibe at Arvind Kejriwal's arrest | ABP NewsArvind Kejriwal Arrest: Sunita Kejriwal Launches WhatsApp Campaign To Drum Up Support For Jailed Delhi CM

Photogallery

Embed widget