SA vs ZIM 2017: Faf Du Plessis' Participation Remains in Limbo

South Africa skipper, Faf du Plessis, remains to be in doubt for the Boxing Day Test match against Zimbabwe. He is suffering from the viral infection and is 60-40 for the game, as per himself,

“Last week I was 80-20 for playing, probably now 60-40. My progress was really good over the last two weeks but I picked up a virus last week which has slowed me down a little bit. Right now, where we stand, trying to get to practice and see how it feels. I practised on Saturday and there was still a bit of pain in the back and when the professionals say there is a pain in the disc, there is still a bit of risk,” he said.

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Plessis was already in the race to declare himself fit to be named in the 15-member squad for the Test, as he was recovering from the acute limber disc. He was named in the side but was still doubtful for the contest. Just a day ahead of the game, he is yet to recover from the viral infection, and now his participation remains in limbo.

The South African opener, Dean Elgar, will lead the side in case Plessis is absent from the game.

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Along with Plessis, pacers like Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander will also have to wait for a comeback. Kagiso Rabada is all set to retain his place, and only two of these three pacers are expected to play in the Test match.

Another comeback man, AB de Villiers though is expected to walk in the playing XI in a Test match after 23 months. De Villiers, along with Steyn, was named in the Test side to face Zimbabwe. Both have not played enough of first-class games. Still, De Villiers is expected to play the Test. Steyn, however, may lose the race to other pace bowlers in the lineup.

The historical Test match between South Africa and Zimbabwe will be a four-day contest which will be played on December 26 to 29 at St. George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.

Squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn.

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