Titans batsman Henry Davids has been named captain for the Paarl Rocks’ opening two Mzansi Super League fixtures.

National captain Faf du Plessis is the Rocks’ leader, but is currently on tour in Australia. Davids will lead the XI in Du Plessis’ absence.

Davids will be in charge for matches against the Tshwane Spartans and Jozi Stars on 18 and 20 November, respectively. Du Plessis will take over for 25 November’s Western Cape derby against the Cape Town Blitz.

‘Henry is an experienced captain and knows the local players very well,’ said Paarl Rocks head coach Adrian Birrell.

‘Davids is a key batsman for the Paarl Rocks, and his knowledge of the local conditions could prove to be invaluable,’ Birrell added.

The 38-year-old Davids was capped by the Proteas on 11 occasions in 2012 and 2013. He played nine T20Is and two ODIs, with highest scores of 68 and seven in the shortest and intermediate form of the international game, respectively.

He has also represented the St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League, and played for the Cape Cobras before joining the Titans.

The stalwart right-hander struck a superb ton in last year’s Momentum One Day Cup final against the Warriors at SuperSport Park in Centurion, where the hosts clinched the title.