Faf du Plessis becomes a father

Cape Town - Proteas Test captain Faf du Plessis is a father! 

The 33-year-old took to Twitter on Thursday to confirm the news, which will go down well with Proteas fans as it means that Du Plessis becomes available for the first Test against England at Lord's on July 6. 

There had been a concern that Du Plessis would miss that match, given that he was committed to waiting by his wife Imari's side until the child was born. 

The Twitter post did not specify whether the new-born was a boy or a girl. 

The Proteas are currently playing a warm-up match against the England Lions in Worcester, where Dean Elgar is captaining in Du Plessis' absence. 

Du Plessis' availability will more than likely mean that youngster Aiden Markram drops out of the Test squad.

Our biggest blessing yet came in a small package.so very grateful ?????????? pic.twitter.com/Ib2TZy390X

— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) June 29, 2017