South Africa's Faf du Plessis has been ruled out of the Northern Superchargers' first three matches of The Hundred due to symptoms of concussion. He had suffered a blow on the head during the second phase of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021.

Quetta Gladiators' Du Plessis had collided with his teammate Mohammad Hasnain while trying to save a boundary against Peshawar Zalmi. Hasnain's knee hit his head and he had returned to South Africa after being ruled out of the tournament. 

ALSO READ: Cricket fraternity lauds Jemimah Rodrigues for her 43-ball 92* in The Hundred

Du Plessis was supposed to lead the Superchargers in the Hundred, but England all-rounder Ben Stokes is the captain in his absence. "The Northern Superchargers medical team have been assessing the 37-year-old since his arrival last Friday and have decided it is in the best interests of the batter to rest for the opening three games," a statement said. "They will continue to monitor his progress."

As per the ESPNcricinfo reports, Superchargers have the Lancashire wicket-keeper Dane Vilas as a temporary replacement until du Plessis recovers.

Earlier, Danes was signed by Manchester Originals for £125,000 in the initial draft of the Hundred, back in October 2019. But he lost the deal after the end of his status as a Kolpak. It meant he became an overseas player.

Stokes will lead the side against Trent Rockets on Monday (July 26), with a new captain - likely to be David Willey or Chris Lynn - due to stand in against the Originals on Wednesday.

(With ESPN Cricinfo Inputs)