Faf du Plessis will miss the four-day, day-night Test against Zimbabwe, which starts on Boxing Day, after his recovery from back and shoulder injuries was delayed by a viral infection. AB de Villiers, who makes his return to Test whites for the first time since January 2016, will captain the side in place of du Plessis.
The South African management is hopeful of having du Plessis fit in time for the first Test against India, which starts 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,” Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, who is also a medical doctor said.
More to follow…
Source: ESPN Crickinfo