Faf du Plessis to miss Lord's Test after birth of his first child

South African Test skipper Faf du Plessis will miss the first Test against England at Lord’s starting on July 6 due to family reasons. Du Plessis had to fly back home for the birth of his first child and will thus be unable to return in time and lead the side in the opener of the four-Test series. Dean Elgar has instead been bestowed with captain duties in du Plessis’ absence.

Faf’s wife, Imari gave birth to a girl and he will remain in South Africa for the foreseeable future and hence miss the game at Lord’s. On the other hand, head coach Russell Domingo who had to head back to South Africa following the news of his mother’s car accident a week ago has returned in England. Domingo’s mother has now been safely discharged from the hospital. The Proteas are also sweating over the fitness of Vernon Philander, who was unable to take part in the tour match as he is rehabbing from an ankle injury.

South Africa to have a new coach by the end of July

South Africa’s team manager Dr. Mohammed Moosajee was quoted as saying, “Faf’s wife gave birth to their first child last week but the difficult nature of the delivery has delayed his return to the UK.”

“The mother and baby have settled at home, but he will be unable to make it back in time to take part in the first Test match. He will link up with the squad in the UK later this week.”

This series is likely to be Domingo’s last assignment as the coach, with CSA searching for a new coach. CSA has appointed a five-man panel, which includes Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons, to recommend a suitable candidate within the stipulated deadline of July 21.