Selection challenge for South Africa in inaugural 4-day Test

Port Elizabeth, Dec. 25: Captain Faf du Plessis is a doubt to start South Africa’s one-off day-night Test against Zimbabwe, starting at St George's Park on Tuesday.

Du Plessis has not played since suffering a back injury during a one-day international against Bangladesh in October.

He said he was still feeling some discomfort and would only play if he felt he was fully fit and that his progress had been slowed by a virus he picked up a week ago. “The professionals say that if there is still pain in the disc it’s a little bit dangerous so that’s why we’re seeing how it works today,” the 33-year-old said.

“Last week I would have said my chances were 80-20, right now it is about 60-40.”

Du Plessis acknowledged that the match against Zimbabwe was a stepping stone towards a “big summer” which includes three Tests against India and four against Australia.

He hinted strongly that he was setting his sights on being fully fit for the first Test against India, starting on January 5. “I’d rather feel good and play no cricket rather than play and not feel good,” he said.

Du Plessis admitted that a selection dilemma would be eased if he didn’t play. “It gives someone else an opportunity to play, which was quite a headache in the first place.”

Fast bowler Dale Steyn, who is making a comeback after more than a year out of action with a broken shoulder, is another doubt, with Du Plessis saying he would not be rushed back into action.