Next Proteas Test captain unlikely to be 'surprise selection' like Smith: Report

The next South African Test captain is unlikely to be a surprise selection like retired captain Graeme Smith was, according to a report.

According to Sport24, Cricket South Africa (CSA) took a risk when it appointed Smith at the age of 22 in 2003, and although that risk paid off, the new captain must be an established player, according to convener of selectors, Andrew Hudson.

The report mentioned that Smith retired from international cricket during the final Test against Australia at Newlands last week, a game the hosts went on to lose by 245 runs to concede the series 2-1.

Hudson said they will take their time in appointing a new captain, but said the player must be part of the current set-up.

One-day skipper AB de Villiers appears to be the favourite to take over from Smith, while the names of Faf du Plessis (T20 skipper) and Alviro Petersen have also been mentioned, the report added.