South Africa cricket and new Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter is open to continuing discussions with veteran star Faf du Plessis about a possible return to the national set-up, but the 38-year-old former captain will not feature against the West Indies. this month.
Walter named his first T20 and ODI Proteas squad on Saturday, for the series against the West Indies, and did not include Du Plessis.
However, CSA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe said the cricket body is open to talks with the so-called freelancer who may return to the Proteas team.
‘We’re happy to be involved’
Du Plessis is committed to limited overs cricket only in 2021, but has not played an ODI or T20 game for South Africa since 2020.
“There was a conversation … also before the last World Cup, and we are always open to talk to a free agent,” Nkwe said on Monday when asked about Du Plessis.
“And having spoken to coach Rob (Walter), he wants to continue that conversation to see how we can work together. From a CSA point of view, we are happy to be involved, to find the best way.
ODI World Cup
With Du Plessis likely to be more interested in T20 cricket, the timing may be later, as Walter is now more focused on the ODI team.
“You can see some new faces in the ODI squad, to widen the base because it’s a World Cup year (in October and November in India),” said Walter.
“The T20 build-up will start later and maybe we will see some new faces, maybe for the series against Australia. The ODIs are now getting special attention.
Young players such as Dewald Brevis could also get a look at the end of the year. Walter said the young star, along with other promising players, will have to bide their time.
“Dewald is in the category of many young players in our system. We have to find opportunities for them under the Proteas, but only above the provincial level.
“The (SA20) tournament will give Dewald insight into where he needs to improve in his game, along with many other things.
“There is an exciting X factor, but we need to provide a foundation and a path to grow to be internationally ready.”
Markram to lead
Aiden Markram was yesterday confirmed as the new T20 captain, with former skipper Temba Bavuma dropped from the T20 squad. He will remain the ODI captain.
The uncapped players in the ODI squad are Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, Gerald Coetzee and Tristan Stubbs.
“Aiden has shown himself to be a leader,” said Walter, “so it’s a logical progression for him. What’s missing is a decision based on T20 performance.
Meanwhile, JP Duminy is the new white-ball batting coach, with Rory Kleinveldt and Wandile Gwavu taking over the bowling and coaching duties for the West Indies match.
The three ODIs against West Indies are on March 16, 18 and 21 and the three T20s on March 25, 26 and 28.
After the West Indies tour, the Proteas will also take on the Netherlands in two ODIs.