ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 25: Faf du Plessis of South Africa looks on before the start of play on day two of the Third Test match between Australia and South Africa at Adelaide Oval on November 25, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images)

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis is racing the clock to prove his fitness ahead of the four-match home Test series against Australia on March 1.

Du Plessis missed most of the one-day international and Twenty20 series against India after injuring his right index finger.

“He will start batting tomorrow and we are hopeful he will come through that and be available to captain the team for the first Test against Australia,” team manager Mohammed Moosajee said in a news release from Cricket South Africa on Tuesday.

AB de Villiers and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock are both on track to feature in the first test after overcoming their own injuries.

Middle-order batsman Temba Bavuma will play in a club game on Sunday following his recovery from a hand fracture and, if he shows no ill-effects, will be available for selection for the first Test.

Seamer Dale Steyn, who is two wickets shy of becoming South Africa’s most successful bowler in Tests, remains a serious doubt for the first game as he recovers from ligament damage in his foot.

“He is doing his running training and also increasing his bowling intensity,” Moosajee said. “He will in all likelihood feature in the series against Australia, but the CSA medical team will want him to play some form of cricket before a Test match.”

South Africa, who beat India 2-1 in a recent Test series, have not defeated the Australians at home since 1969-70. They have won their last three Test series in Australia.