Daily Times

CAPE TOWN: South Africa captain Faf du Plessis will miss the remaining two ODIs and the lone T20I against Sri Lanka after sustaining an injury to his right shoulder. Du Plessis fell awkwardly while attempting a catch in the 10th over of the Sri Lankan innings during the third ODI on Sunday and immediately left the field for treatment. He was not able to return and will need up to six weeks to make a full recovery. “Faf sustained an injury to one of the rotator cuff tendons in his right shoulder and will unfortunately be unavailable for the rest of the tour. He will need a rehabilitation period of up to six weeks to make a full recovery. His return date back to South Africa will be confirmed in due course,” Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, who is also a medical doctor, said. South Africa will name a replacement captain from within the squad, with no additional players to be added for the three matches.

Quinton de Kock took over the leadership on Sunday and made two excellent review calls, both of which resulted in Sri Lankan wickets, and may be given the opportunity to captain again. Alternatively, former captain Hashim Amla could be asked to take over or Aiden Markram, who captained when du Plessis broke a finger against India in February, may lead again. Markram was dropped from Sunday’s match after a patch of poor form but this could present an opportunity for him to re-establish himself in the one-day side. South Africa’s other extra batsman is Heinrich Klaasen, who is also nursing a small niggle. Du Plessis’ injury should not keep him out of international duty in any significant way. The ongoing series in Sri Lanka has already been won and South Africa’s next assignment only takes place at the end of September against Zimbabwe, whom they host for three ODIs and as many T20Is. However, this is the second time du Plessis has had problems with this shoulder. Last October, he had surgery on it which forced him out of the four-day, day-night Test against Zimbabwe over Boxing Day.

Published in Daily Times, August 7^th 2018.