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04-Jul-2017 12:24:00 GMT
England v South Africa, 1st Test, Lord's

Faf du Plessis to miss first Test for family reasons

London: South Africa captain Faf du Plessis will miss the first Test against England at Lord's for family reasons.

The 32-year-old returned home to attend the birth of his first child but will not fly back to England in time for the start of the series on Thursday.

Team manager Mohammed Moosajee said: "The difficult nature of the delivery has delayed his return to the UK."

Opener Dean Elgar will captain the side for the first time, while Du Plessis will rejoin the squad later this week.

Theunis de Bruyn, who made his Test debut in March, or the uncapped Aiden Markram will replace the skipper.

Seamer Vernon Philander has been cleared to play after missing the drawn warm-up fixture against England Lions with an ankle injury.

South Africa are without pace bowler Dale Steyn, who has not recovered from a shoulder injury, and former captain AB de Villiers, who is taking a break from Test cricket.

Du Plessis averages 44.92 with the bat in 40 Tests.

The match is Joe Root's first since being appointed England Test captain.


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Series/Tournaments:
South Africa tour of England 2017
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England vs South Africa - 1st Test
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Faf du Plessis
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South Africa | England
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