Share

Proteas have 'all the faith' in Elgar

Cape Town - Dean Elgar will lead the Proteas at Lord's on Thursday knowing that he has the full backing of his team-mates. 

Elgar is standing in for regular captain Faf du Plessis, who is missing the first Test because he is staying in South Africa to be with his wife, Imari, after the birth of their baby daughter last week. 

It is a massive moment for Elgar as he becomes just the 12th man to captain the Proteas (post-1992) in Test cricket, but the decision to give him the captaincy has been backed by the players.

"It's an opportunity for someone else to step up and lead the country," Proteas seamer Vernon Philander said.

"We've got all the faith in Dean. If he has the support of the other 10 guys on the field it will make his job a lot easier.

"It's obviously a big loss losing Faf, but obviously we all understand his circumstances."

Du Plessis's place in the middle order is likely to be taken by Theunis de Bruyn, who will play in just his second Test, while Heino Kuhn is set for a Test debut at the top of the order.

"We've got a squad of 15 guys over here. We've lost players in the past and guys have stepped up," Philander added.

"It's an opportunity for someone to step up and really make a name for himself. That's the way we all see it as a squad."

Play on Thursday starts at 12:00 (SA time). 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE