Faf du Plessis gets captaincy gig across all formats for South Africa

(Photo: Getty Images)

By Adam Ellis

Faf du Plessis has been named as the successor to AB de Villiers in ODIs to become South Africa’s captain across all three formats in international cricket.

De Villiers stepped down earlier this summer following a 2-1 series defeat to England in ODIs and failing to take to the team to the semi-final stage of the ICC Champions Trophy after defeats to Pakistan and India.

Taking on further responsibilities doesn’t just stop with South Africa for du Plessis, who is currently in Pakistan to lead a World XI side in three T20 matches against Sarfraz Ahmed’s team.

In a Cricket South Africa statement confirming the news, chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Congratulations to Faf on his appointment as the natural successor to the ODI leadership.

“He has established himself as one of the best leaders in world cricket and this was reflected in his appointment as the captain for the World XI currently engaged in the T20 Series against Pakistan.”

The 33-year-old has held the reins as the Proteas T20 captain since 2012, while in red ball cricket he has led his country in 16 Tests to seemingly put an end to the country’s search for a successor to Graeme Smith.