My role is to let AB run the ship, says Faf –
JOHANNESBURG: Faf du Plessis and Russell Domingo don’t foresee any hassles when AB de Villiers returns as Proteas Test captain over the festive season.
The South African side, who returned from a successful Test tour to Australia last night, have produced some outstanding performances in De VIlliers’ absence, including a Test series win against New Zealand, a 5-0 whitewash in a five-match ODI series against the World Cup holders and then the 2-1 series triumph Down Under.
Although Du Plessis has looked accomplished as Test skipper, he explained how he would be happy to return to a supportive role once De Villiers returns, which should be for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Port Elizabeth starting on Boxing Day.
“I don’t see it as a massive transition (when) AB takes over,” said Du Plessis. “He will always have 100 percent support from me, he knows that. When he’s captain, my role is to let him run the ship, respect that, but in doing that give him my complete support.”
Du Plessis has on several occasions in recent months acknowledged that captaincy brings out the best in his game, but that when De Villiers returns that motivation through leadership will take on a more personal tone: “I’m a leader in the team, that brings the best out of me. I have to make sure I lead, one for myself and two for the team.”
While conceding that Du Plessis has performed outstandingly as stand-in skipper across two formats recently, Domingo stressed the importance of De Villiers’ position being respected.
“Faf’s shown great maturity as a leader, he’s been in charge of the T20 side for a while. He’s an outstanding captain and fortunately he’s also found some good form lately which helps his leadership as well, so he’s leading from the front in terms of performances as well,” the coach said.
“He’s done an outstanding job, but the bottom line is AB de Villiers is the current Test captain. In my opinion, the status quo must remain and I’m very pleased with that.
“AB’s only had two Tests as captain – one a loss to England, the other a win. He needs to have a full crack at the job and I will be providing my full support to AB when he’s fit and ready to play again as the leader of this team.”
Du Plessis outlined that a senior core in the Proteas squad also carried leadership responsibilities: “We are very fortunate that we have three guys – myself, AB and Hash who’ve captained the side. Although there are some slight differences, we all share similar ideas about how we want the culture to move forward.
“In addition, there’s guys like JP, Dale and Morne who are all part of the leadership group who make sure we all stand together in terms of how the team moves forward,” he added.
With the exception of Du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada, the rest of the national squad should be available for their franchises at some stage over the coming weeks as the domestic T20 Challenge reaches the final stages.
However, Morkel won’t be available for selection for the first two Tests of the Sri Lanka series as he continues to nurse
The bottom line is AB de Villiers is the current Test captain. In my opinion, the status quo must remain and I’m very pleased with that.” Russell Domingo
a lower back problem.
Team manager Mohammed Moosajee confirmed that the lanky fast bowler will only come into consideration for the third Test at the Wanderers in January, and that is provided he gets through at least one full match before then.
Also, Hashim Amla (neck), Quinton de Kock (virus) and Rilee Rossouw (foot) need between a week and three weeks on the sidelines to overcome their respective ailments.
Meanwhile, a date for hearing Du Plessis’ appeal after he was found guilty of ball tampering during the Test series in Australia should be announced this week, added Moosajee.
Some of the sheen was taken off the Proteas’ third successive series win Down Under after Du Plessis was found guilty of ball tampering during the second Test. Television footage emerged of him sucking on a sweet and then polishing the ball.
Du Plessis immediately appealed the guilty verdict. “The plan was always for (Du Plessis) to come back to South Africa, consult his legal advisors and then together (with the International Cricket Council) come up with a date that suits all parties,” said Moosajee.
“We are hoping that will be settled this week.”
Du Plessis said he hoped is case would provide clarity about the rules pertaining to how teams maintain the ball.
“I feel I am in a position to challenge the outcome. I don’t think I was trying to do anything wrong I was just trying to shine the ball and obviously the ICC disagree,” he said.
“But this is an opportunity to really look at how the laws of the game work exactly. The nice thing for me is that the general feeling from the rest of the cricket world is that everyone is on the same page with me.
“They agree it was blown out of proportion. It would be good if through me we can get some clarity,” Du Plessis added.