Faf du Plessis is standing down as captain of South Africa’s Test and T20 team. The home grounds defeat from England were Faf du Plessis’ last series as Test captain.
Du Plessis’ quitting applies from immediate effect stated that: “I remain committed to play in all three formats of the game for now as a player and will offer my knowledge and time to the new leaders of the team”
In the last Test series against England at home, South Africa lost 3-1. During all the series Du Plessis struggled and had a four match average of 18.87 runs. For the T20 series with England which took place during February, Du Plessis was rested, which De Kock standing in as captain was won.
Quinton de Kock, will replace Du Plessis who during January 2020 also took over the South African ODI captaincy. With this Quinton captains all the three cricket formats for South Africa cricket.
The official statement of Cricket South Africa stated::
“(Du Plessis) has cited a need to take a step back from captaincy in order to help facilitate the emergence of the next generation of leaders within the team under the new stewardship of Quinton de Kock.
“Du Plessis would like to concentrate on contributing to the team as a batsman and senior player who will offer guidance and advice to the new leadership group as part of their succession planning.”
Du Plessis added: “The last few weeks of rest away from the game have given me a lot of perspective on the great privilege and honour I have had in representing and leading my country in the three formats of this wonderful game.
Quinton de Kock will now lead the Proteas in all three formats of the game
“It has been a rewarding, sometimes tough and other times a lonely road, but I would not replace the experience for anything, because it has made me the man that I am proud to be today.
“When I took over the leadership, I did so with the commitment to lead, perform and most importantly, to serve.
“As the team heads into a new direction with new leaders and a young crop of players, I feel it will be in the best interests of South African cricket to relinquish the captaincy in all formats.
“This was one of the toughest decisions to make, but I remain fully committed to supporting Quinton, Mark (Boucher, head coach) and my team-mates as we continue to rebuild and re-align as a group.
“I have strived to lead the team with dignity and authenticity during exhilarating highs and devastating lows. I have given my everything during my tenure.
