South Africa's new acting director of cricket has confirmed Faf du Plessis will be South Africa's captain for the Test matches of an upcoming tour of India
Faf hangs onto Test captaincy amid Proteas shake-up
Faf du Plessis will captain South Africa in the Test series against India in October but may not lead the side in all formats, Corrie van Zyl, Cricket South Africa's (CSA) new acting director of cricket has said.
Van Zyl, who was appointed to the acting role following the weekend sacking of head coach Ottis Gibson and his coaching staff, said he would chair a selection meeting "in the next day-and-a-half" to discuss future strategy, which would include planning for the 2023 World Cup.
"Faf will be the captain of the Test team," said Van Zyl.
"But we need to look forward and we will talk about the white-ball strategy to 2023."
Image Id: 8E8BC36CC4054EAD92BB06E90B9A6546 Image Caption: Faf du Plessis captained South Africa through the 2019 World Cup // Getty
South Africa will play three Twenty20 internationals in India next month ahead of the Test series, their first in the new world Test championship, which starts on October 2.
The team will do so under new interim team director Enoch Nkwe, a coach with a single season’s experience at South African franchise level.
CSA announced last Sunday that the position of team director, with responsibilities for all aspects of the national team, would replace that of a head coach. The team director will report to a director of cricket.
"It is a tremendous honour and privilege to lead the Proteas as the interim team director," the 36-year-old former all-rounder told the Cricket South Africa (CSA) website.
"It is a special moment for me and my family and I will do my best to make a difference in this interim period."
Nkwe collected two trophies in his first season in charge of the Gauteng Lions franchise, as well as coaching the Jozi Stars T20 team which won the inaugural Mzansi Super League. The franchise was home to the likes of Chris Gayle and Australia's Dan Christian.
Image Id: 0BF4F2BC76FE4FD99A7CF1EF50640704 Image Caption: Chris Gayle bats for the Jozi Stars in the Mzansi Super League // Getty
He was named coach of the year at last weekend’s annual awards function.
Corrie van Zyl said Nkwe’s appointment was "a result of his merits and balanced approach".
"He is someone who complements the direction that will be taken by the team going forward," said Van Zyl.
Nkwe had a moderate first-class playing record, scoring three centuries and averaging 28.06 with the bat in 42 matches.
He also took 29 wickets before a wrist injury ended his playing career.
He has coached the Gauteng provincial team and been assistant coach to the Dutch national team and the South African women’s team.