Graeme Smith, South Africa’s director of cricket, has confirmed that Quinton de Kock’s appointment as ODI captain is a permanent move, not just an interim decision with Faf du Plessis rested for the forthcoming series against England.
Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg, Smith added that the selectors would review du Plessis’ remaining roles as Test and T20 captain at the conclusion of the England tour, but stressed the need for a “robust” discussion about his long-term future in the team.
Du Plessis, 35, hinted at the end of last week’s innings defeat in Port Elizabeth that the fourth Test at the Wanderers, starting on Friday, could be his last on home soil.
He has been short of runs in the past few months – his second-innings 36 was his highest score in six innings against England, in which time he has been averaging 18.83.
And though du Plessis has earmarked South Africa’s Test tour of the West Indies in July as his farewell series, Smith is cautious about committing to the incumbent captain, both for that trip and for the T20 World Cup that takes place in Australia in November.
“We see Faf playing a role as a player but from a leadership perspective, we felt the need to move on,” Smith said of the decision to hand over the ODI reins to de Kock.
“T20 we will review after this Test series,” he added. “At the moment, Faf is in that position. I need to sit with him post this Test series. We will have a robust discussion on his future.
“He is the South Africa Test captain. The next series is in the Caribbean. I need to understand how he sees his future in the game.”
The T20 World Cup could also feature a return to South Africa colours for AB de Villiers, whose belated decision to make himself available for last year’s 50-over World Cup came too late for the selectors to include him.
However, even at the age of 36, de Villiers remains one of the pre-eminent T20 batsmen in the world, and Smith said he was open to the prospect of his return.
“His record in one-day and T20 cricket is outstanding,” said Smith. “It would be silly of us not have him involved.”
Source: ESPN Crickinfo