'New Dad' du Plessis to miss Lord's Test, Elgar to captain

South Africa Test skipper Faf du Plessis has been ruled out of the first Test of the four-match series against England beginning Thursday at Lord's due to family reasons.

The 32-year-old headed back home to attend the birth of his first child after their unsuccessful Champions Trophy, but will not be able to fly back to England in time for the opening game.

Confirming the news, Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee revealed that du Plessis' wife Imari gave birth to their first child last week and that the difficult nature of the delivery has delayed his return.

"Faf's wife gave birth to their first child last week but the difficult nature of the delivery has delayed his return to the UK," Sport24 quoted Mosajee as saying.

Mosajee, however, confirmed that the Test skipper would join the squad in next few days.

"The mother and baby have settled at home, but he will be unable to make it back in time to take part in the first Test match. He will link up with the squad in the UK later this week," he said.

Du Plessis and his wife Imari, who got married in 2013 near Cape Town, were blessed with the baby girl last week.

Left-handed batsman Dean Elgar will lead the side in du Plessis' absence, thus making him the 12th player since readmission to lead the Proteas.

With the development, South Africa's 119-match streak to field him or AB de Villiers in their Playing XI will also come to an end.

-ANI