Having been left out from South Africa’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against England, there were rumours circulating regarding the end of Faf du Plessis’ limited-overs cricket career.
See Also: "Wanderers Test could be my last at home," says Faf du Plessis
However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) convener of selectors Linda Zondi on Wednesday (January 22) dismissed all sorts of speculations, saying Du Plessis remains part of their white-ball plans.
"He hasn't retired. He is still in our plans, but it is important in terms of succession plans that we look at other options," Sport24 quoted Zondi as saying.
Du Plessis, the current Test skipper, was not named in the 15-man squad for the three-match ODI series and the team's captaincy was handed over to wicketkeeper batsman Quinton de Kock.
Zondi also clarified that the omission of Du Plessis and speedster Kagiso Rabada is part of the workload management, bearing in mind the T20 World Cup later this year.
"It is the same for KG (Rabada). It is about managing workloads and this is an important year for us in T20 cricket with the World Cup coming up towards the end of the year (in Australia in September). It's just about giving opportunities to other guys," Zondi said.
"Anrich was going to be one of our key bowlers at the World Cup before he got injured and he has been bowling a lot in the Test series, so there is no way that we are throwing him or anyone else away," he added.
Commenting on Faf du Plessis' future, Zondi said they would continue to factor the Test captain into their plans until he expresses his unwillingness.
"At the moment he hasn't said anything to me," CSA convener of selectors asserted.
The ODI series is scheduled to start on February 4 in Cape Town.
South Africa ODI squad for three ODIs against England:
Quinton de Kock (c), Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Jon Jon Smuts, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Sisanda Magala, Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Kyle Verreynne
