Mixed signals over Domingo’s possible Proteas goodbye

There’s a real possibility that Friday’s fourth and final Test between the Proteas and England in Manchester could be Russell Domingo’s last as national coach.

The 42-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the tour and his future employment depends on whether a five-man selection panel’s recommendation of his continued suitability is accepted by Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) board.

CSA last month said in a statement that the panel had been granted extra time to identify a preferred candidate till after the team returns.

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However, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis on Thursday suggested that he found it unlikely that CSA didn’t have an individual in mind already.

“I honestly think that this match will have no bearing on whether Russell will be re-appointed or not,” he said.

“I would think they probably made that decision even before the next five days. We’ll have to see how that unfolds.”

The Proteas are already under pressure to win this Test in order to at least end with a 2-all series result, especially in light of them losing the ODI and T20 series already.

And with Domingo’s involvement uncertain, there’s even more of an incentive.

“If it is Russell’s last game, then it’s probably even more important for us to win and give him a nice send-off,” said Du Plessis.

“He’s been a huge part of this team and if he stays on then it’s great. We’ll move on then and get back to business. Obviously it’s been a talking point. We’re actually used to it because it’s happened a few times before where there’s been chats about changing the coach.”

To their credit though, Domingo and his support staff have made a point of helping the players not think about it too much.

“We understand that the issue needs to take a back seat,” said Du Plessis.

“The coaches have been brilliant with that. They’ve never spoken about their futures, they’ve just focused on what’s important.”

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