Faf du Plessis says Aiden Markram will replace the injured AB de Villiers in the starting XI in the first ODI at Kingsmead on Thursday. 

De Villiers injured his finger in the final Test at the Wanderers and will miss the first three ODIs.

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Du Plessis confirmed that Markram will slot in at No 4.

‘This gives Aiden an opportunity to bat in different places in the batting order,’ said Du Plessis. ‘It’s a great way to evolve your own game and learn in difficult situations and times in ODI cricket. It will be a nice learning curve for him and hopefully it will yield some good runs for us.’

The Test opener has played just one ODI game, scoring 66 against Bangladesh in October, also batting at No 4.

There will be several  players returning to the national setup and Du Plessis hinted at potential starting spots for Chris Morris and JP Duminy.

‘Chris is coming off a few injuries so it’s good to have him back. He’s a very good white-ball player, so we’re hoping to see the best of him again. It’s important for us as a team that he (gets a) good opportunity and even starts winning games for South Africa. If you look ahead in a year and a half’s time, he is someone who can do something special in a big tournament,’ said Du Plessis.

‘JP hasn’t been with the side in a while. It’s great to have him back. He has come positive from his domestic cricket where he has captained well with his home team and he feels like his batting has gone really well. Once again, it’s important for him to put that into the national team. He needs to put in some good results.

‘As with David Miller. He’s been very good for us, Dave, over the last two years. He has done very well. Great to have the two of them back.’

The first ODI starts on Thursday at 13:00.

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