Du Plessis set to miss Lord's Test, Elgar named as captain of South Africa

Photo: AFP

New Delhi: With regular captain Faf du Plessis not being available, Dean Elgar will lead South Africa in the first Test with England which gets underway from Thursday, announced cricket South Africa on Monday.

Du Plessis, who became only the fourth South African to score a century on his Test debut in 2012 returned home for the birth of his first child last week, but will be unable to return in time for the opening match of the four-Test series.

"Faf's wife gave birth to their first child last week but the difficult nature of the delivery has delayed his return to the UK," said South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

"The mother and baby have settled at home but he will be unable to make it back in time to take part in the first Test match.

"He will link up with the squad in the UK later this week."

Opening batsman Dean Elgar, who has seven Test centuries to his credit, will captain the side in Du Plessis' absence.