South Africa yet to take a call on Faf du Plessis' availability against Zimbabwe

South Africa is set to take on Zimbabwe in the longest format of the game starting from December 26. It will not be a Test of normal significance, but the Proteas will make history when the step down to the field that day. It will be their first ever four-day Day-Night Test. The action will take place in Port Elizabeth, and the stage is set for the clash. The South Africans are the firm favourites going into the clash, but it will be wrong to write off the Zimbabwe team who gave a choke in the neck to the Sri Lankan team earlier this year.

Skipper Faf du Plessis is uncertain about the encounter after picking up a lower back injury. However, the Proteas are not rushing the matter and are taking it ‘day by day’ with the batsman who is an integral part of the team. Convenor of selectors Linda Zondi confirmed to Sport24 on Wednesday that they are yet to take a call on Faf’s availability.

“We’re taking it day by day and that is why he is in our squad until a final decision is made,” Zondi said. “We do have a plan in terms of the stand-in captain who feel would be best suited to the role. We did use Dean Elgar in England, and if need be we will make a call closer to the time.” he added.

Dean Elgar filled in the gap as captain in the first Test at Lords earlier this year. Du Plessis had stayed back home with his wife who gave birth to their first child. South Africa will also have the option of going with AB de Villiers who will mark his return to Test cricket after a long gap. The batsman last played a Test for the Proteas in January and was on a break from the longer format.

Also read: (SA vs ZIM 2017: Faf du Plessis Doubtful For Historic Four-Day Test)

Aiden Markram is considered a future Proteas Test captain and at 23-years-old is another possibility.