Du Plessis to stand in for injured De Villiers in NZ Test series

Johannesburg: South Africa star batsman Faf-du Plessis will lead the 15-man Test squad in place of injured AB de Villiers in the two-match series against New Zealand later this month.

Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) medical team has ruled out De Villiers as well as Morne Morkel out for approximately six weeks due to their respective injuries.

Confirming the news, CSA Selection Convener, Linda Zondi said that it is quite unfortunate that his side would not see two players of the quality and experience of De Villiers and Morkel in the upcoming series.

Zondi, however, said that the Proteas are lucky to have a capable stand-in leader in Du Plessis, Sport24 reported.

The CSA selection convener also confirmed the presence of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, who both have been named in the squad after recovering from their respective long-term injuries.

South Africa’s Test squad is as follows:

Faf du Plessis (captain), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma , Stephen Cook , Quinton de Kock ,JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Chris Morris ,Wayne Parnell , Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl.

South Africa will play the two-match Test series, starting from August 19 at Kingsmead. (ANI)