Injured Faf du Plessis will be out of action for six weeks

Injured South Africa captain Faf du Plessis will not be playing for next six weeks after suffering an acute lumbar disc injury in the third ODI against Bangladesh on Sunday. According to ESPNcricinfo, du Plessis will not only miss the two-match T-20 series, which starts on Thursday, but will now also miss most of the domestic T-20 competition with the aim to be fit for the inaugural four-day, day-night Test against Zimbabwe on Boxing Day. The South African captain had to retire hurt on 91 and could not return to lead the team in the field. He had collapsed at the crease and clutched his lower back after turning for a second run in the 41st over.

South Africa's captain Faf du Plessis leaves the field after being injury during their ODI one-day international match at the Buffalo Park Cricket Grounds in East London on October 22, 2017. Pic/AFP

In du Plessis' absence, JP Duminy will lead the T20 side, which also includes AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla. Du Plessis' injury should not impact any international commitments with South Africa's calendar empty until Boxing Day. Thereafter, they will play eight home Tests, including three in a full visit by India that also features six ODIs and three T-20s. As South Africa's all-format captain, du Plessis will be eager to be fully fit for that series, reports ESPNcricinfo. He was also due to captain the Stellenbosch Kings in the inaugural edition of the T20 Global League, which was scheduled to start on November 3, but the tournament has been postponed. Instead, the CSA have moved the franchise T-20 competition into the same slot.

ESPNcricinfo reports that Du Plessis is the first high-profile player who won't take part in that event. According to the timeline, du Plessis should return in the first week of December, by which time the competition will be in its final two rounds. He may be able to take part in the playoffs in mid-December.