Faf du Plessis has stood down from the position of captain of the South African national cricket side. He has been the official captain in two of the game’s three formats – Tests and T20Is – while Quinton de Kock has been the official ODI captain.
Du Plessis has said he is still available for selection in any of the three formats and has committed his immediate cricket future to the Proteas.
Du Plessis has had a satisfactory record as captain, being the first South African captain to win both home and away Test series against Australia. However, the Proteas have had some disappointing results of late under his watch, failing to make the semi-finals of last year’s ODI World Cup and losing recent Test series against India and England.
Du Plessis captained South Africa in 36 Tests (winning 50%), 39 ODIs (winning nearly three-quarters), and 37 T20Is (being victorious in more than 60%).
Du Plessis was also named in the Proteas T20I squad to face Australia, after having been rested for the ODIs and T20Is versus England. Also back in Proteas colours is fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was also rested following the Test series against England. Quinton de Kock was named captain.
South Africa will play three T20Is vs Australia followed by three ODIs against the same team. The first T20I is this Friday at The Wanderers in Johannesburg.