Faf du Plessis retains South Africa central contract as Beuran Hendricks earns deal

The former skipper appears set to remain a key central pillar of the international team for at least another 12 months

• South Africa self-isolate after India return
• CSA suspends all cricket

Ex-South Africa captain Faf du Plessis appears likely to remain part of the international set-up for the foreseeable future after retaining a central contract for the 2020-21 season.

The 35-year-old is no longer the skipper of The Proteas after being replaced across all formats by Quinton de Kock.

Du Plessis was planning to consider his South Africa future but his inclusion on the central contract list is the biggest indication yet he is ready to stay on.

Elsewhere, Beuran Hendricks, who made his Test debut against England in January, has earned his first national contract.

Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius and Rassie van der Dussen all saw their deals upgraded during last season and are all included on the 16-man list.

Cricket South Africa have left one berth open to incentivise emerging players. That group includes Heinrich Klaasen, who misses out despite impressing in the recent ODI series win over Australia.

Retired duo Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander are off the list, as is Theunis de Bruyn and Dale Steyn.

Coronavirus and cricket: Tours and competitions postponed, cancelled or affected by COVID-19

South Africa's upcoming season starts with a limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka and two Tests and three T20s against West Indies.

They face Pakistan in six white-ball matches before the T20 World Cup in October and November. In 2021, they are scheduled to face Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia and England in the opening three months of the year.

CSA have also committed to rescheduling the abandoned ODI series against India which was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Of the 14 women's contracts which have been awarded, Nadine de Klerk and Sinalo Jafta are both included after being promoted during the last season.

Contracted Men’s players: Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

Contracted Women’s players: Trisha Chetty, Nadine de Klerk, Mignon du Preez, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus, Zintle Mali, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk, Laura Wolvaardt