Du Plessis misses Test as tourists ponder next coach

South Africa will be without captain Faf du Plessis in this week’s Lord’s Test but have also discovered their coach Russell Domingo wants to continue in his job after the fourmatch Investec Series against England.

It was announced in a Cricket South Africa statement yesterday that Du Plessis will not be back in England to lead the tourists on Thursday, when his fellow batsman Dean Elgar will instead take the reins.

Du Plessis is to remain in South Africa with his wife and their first child, following a difficult birth, but indications are that he will be available by the time the series moves on to Trent Bridge.

South Africa practised without him at Merchant Taylors School, and afterwards Domingo was able to confirm that he has reapplied for his own position - due to become vacant next month when the 42-year-old’s contract expires.

“I have forwarded my application form and I have gone through an interview,” he said. “Absolutely (I want to carry on). “It’s a fantastic honour to work with this team. I’ve loved my time with it and I hope I can continue.

“If not, it’s in the best interests of the team. I’ve had a fantastic run and loved every single minute of it. It’s not my decision - it’s up to the board.”

Domingo is back in England, having overseen South Africa’s Royal London Series campaign and their group exit from the Champions Trophy before returning home after his mother was injured in a car accident.

He was equivocal about his perceived hesitation before reapplying as coach by the due date last month.

“It was before the closing date,” he said. “I’ve always said you never know what’s round the corner - it’s a process that needs to be followed, and I’ve got to respect it.

“They need to decide if I’m the right guy to take the team forward. So be it.”

He cited several factors in his decision.

“It was a whole host of things, obviously family life, the performance of the team, whether you feel you’re the right guy to take the team forward, showing signs of improvement in all formats and player support is massively important,” said Domingo.