AB de Villiers to captain South Africa in the four-day Test against Zimbabwe as Du Plessis misses out

Faf du Plessis is suffering from a bad back and has not recovered enough to play.

Cricket South Africa has confirmed that Faf du Plessis will miss the historic four day Test against Zimbabwe starting 26^th December. AB de Villiers will lead South Africa in the absence of Du Plessis in the Test.

Du Plessis had mentioned that he was just 60% sure of taking part in the four-day Test as a virus had halted the healing process of his back. Du Plessis had hurt his back more than two months ago and also underwent a surgery on his shoulder to correct a longstanding injury. But the virus had slowed his healing process.

"My progress was really good over the last two weeks, but I picked up a virus last week which has slowed me down a little bit," he said. "Right now, where we stand, I'm trying to get to practice today and see how it feels. I practised yesterday with it and there was still a bit of pain in the back and the professionals say when there is pain in the disc, there is still a bit of risk so we'll see how it works (today) and then assess it tomorrow as well. Last week I was 80-20 for playing, now it's probably 60-40."

Earlier it was expected that Dean Elgar might lead South Africa, which he had did against England recently, but the selectors went for former captain AB de Villiers for this historic Test, since it is a one off match.