Du Plessis backs De Villiers to be full-time Proteas Test skipper

South Africa batsman Faf du Plessis, who was appointed as the stand-in captain in the absence of injured AB de Villiers for New Zealand tour, has said he expects the latter to be back leading the side when they tour Australia for a three-Test series later this year.

Earlier, Cricket South Africa (CSA)'s medical team had ruled both de Villiers and Morne Morkel out for approximately six weeks because of their respective injuries.

As a result, du Plessis was asked to lead the Test squad against New Zealand for a two-match series, which South Africa went on to win by 1-0 following their massive 204-run triumph in the second match in Centurion.

Reflecting on their win, du Plessis said his side had played almost perfectly in the last match, adding that South Africa had rediscovered their passion and are currently moving in the right direction, Sport24 reported.

Although the 32-year-old expressed his desire to lead the Test side again, he said he will fully back de Villiers to remain as the full-time captain in the longer format of the game.

Describing de Villiers as a 'massive' leader, du Plessis said his side are eagerly waiting to have the former back in the squad.

South Africa are scheduled to play five-match ODI series against Australia from September 30 before heading into the three-match Test series, starting at WACA Ground on November 3.