The South Africa Test skipper Faf du Plessis is in line to participate in the first Test match against England at the Lord’s after the birth of his first child on June 29.

This has emboldened his chances of returning to the UK in time and be with the team for the Test series opener. The first Test starts on July 6. (Read Here: South Africa Squad For Test England Test Series)

Though selectors had already announced Dean Elgar as the stand-in skipper for Proteas, should Faf not return to join the squad in time. Elgar will lead South Africa practice game ahead of the start of the series. A return of Plessis can lead to the only debut where the South African team will have to choose from Aiden Markram and Heino Kuhn.

Both performed well in the game against England Lions, playing for South Africa A. Markram played an innings of 71 and three, whereas, Kuhn produced innings of 105 and five from his bat. Both are strong contenders for the place and availability of Plessis will determine that who out of the two will make the cut.

Other than them, the availability of Vernon Philander will be another thing which will keep the team on their toes. He did not participate in the ongoing tour game against England Lions. If he misses the first Test, then the chance will fall in the lap of all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, who might make his Test debut at the mecca of cricket.

The four-match Test series kicks off from July 6, with the first Test to be played at the Lord’s. The second Test kicks off from July 14 to be played at Trent Bridge followed by the penultimate Test of the series to at Kennington Oval. Old Trafford in Manchester will host the final Test.