Interim director of cricket Graeme Smith has confirmed new ODI captain Quinton de Kock’s appointment is permanent and not just for next month’s series against England.
De Kock’s promotion was announced earlier this week, with former captain Faf du Plessis omitted from the 15-man squad for February’s three ODIs.
‘We see Faf playing a role as a player but from a leadership perspective; we felt the need to move on,’ said Smith.
Who will lead the Proteas in T20I cricket later this year remains in the balance. The T20 World Cup will be played in Australia later this year. De Kock and batsman David Miller have performed the role in interim capacities previously.
‘T20 we will review after this Test series. At the moment, Faf is in that position. I need to sit with him post this Test series. We will have a robust discussion on his future,’ added Smith.
The Proteas, meanwhile, will entertain former captain AB de Villiers’ potential return to international cricket. De Villiers is currently playing in Australia’s Big Bash League and contemplating coming out of T20I retirement.
‘His record in ODI and T20 cricket is outstanding. It would be silly of us not have him involved,’ concluded Smith.
Photo: Gallo Images
