Du Plessis injured his right index finger during the first ODI at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Thursday, with further assessment and investigation revealing a fracture which will require 3-6 weeks to heal.

Du Plessis will undergo a period of rest and rehabilitation with the aim of being fit for the first Sunfoil Test match against Australia starting in Durban on March 1st.

The selectors have included Farhaan Behardien as Du Plessis’ replacement, with Multiply Titans wicket-keeper batsman, Heinrich Klaasen, earning his maiden ODI call-up as a reserve wicket-keeper in the squad.

The captain for the remainder of the ODI series has been announced as Aiden Markram who says although the decision was very sudden, he looks forward to the challenge.