Faf du Plessis to deputise for AB de Villiers as South Africa captain

Faf du Plessis is set to become South Africa's third Test captain in the space of four matches after AB de Villiers was ruled out of the upcoming series against New Zealand.

De Villiers is poised to miss a Test through injury for the first time since making his debut in 2004 and could be sidelined for up to eight weeks after Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the elbow injury he suffered during the Caribbean Premier League would require "extensive rehab", but not surgery.

Paceman Morne Morkel is also expected to sit out the series with a back problem, although front-line quicks Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander are both back to full fitness.

Du Plessis will take over as captain for the two-match series, which begins in Durban on August 19, making him the Proteas' third Test skipper in a short period after Hashim Amla stepped down from the role midway through the series defeat to England in the winter.

"It is most unfortunate that we will not be able to call on two players of the quality and experience of De Villiers and Morkel," CSA selection convener Linda Zondi said.

"However, we are fortunate to have a capable stand-in leader in Faf du Plessis and other exciting options to select from.

"Injuries are a reality that we have to deal with and with both Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander fit and firing again after their respective long-term injuries, I am confident that we have the players to take on New Zealand and win."

Commenting on the injuries, Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said: "AB complained of pain in his left elbow while he was participating in the CPL and subsequent MRI scans revealed an impingement of the joint capsule.

"He has since been released from the CPL and will need extensive rehab and treatment during a recovery period of between six and eight weeks.

"Morne has been suffering from mild back pain of which scans and further investigation by a specialist revealed a bulging disk. He will also require rehab and a recovery period of between four and six weeks. We are hoping to have both players fully fit and available for selection for the start of the Momentum ODI series against Australia in October."

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De Villiers said: "I'm naturally disappointed to miss the Test series against New Zealand, particularly because I have not missed a Test match through injury since my debut in 2004.

"However, with an exciting summer of cricket ahead, it is obviously sensible to give my elbow time to heal properly.

"The Proteas finished last season on a positive note with a win against England in the last Sunfoil Test match, and I am confident that, with Faf at the helm, the team will build on this success."

Wayne Parnell and Philander are the only members of the 15-man squad announced by CSA who did not play in the most recent Test series against England.

South Africa Test squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen Cook, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl.