Du Plessis to be 'No. 1 couch fan' during Lord's Test

Proteas Test skipper Faf du Plessis, who will not be part of

the Lord's Test, has said he will South Africa's number one fan when they take on England from

Thursday.

"Extremely sad that I won't be able 2 front up 2 the challenge with the team. Be there soon.

In the meantime I will be their nr1 couch fan (sic)," said du Plessis on Twitter.

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.

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.