South Africa are unwilling to contemplate promoting Faf du Plessis to fulltime captain, with AB de Villiers set to resume the post when he returns from an elbow injury.
Du Plessis' leadership has been widely praised, especially during the ongoing three-Test series in Australia.
The International Cricket Council is currently reviewing footage from the second Test in Hobart that shows the stand-in skipper shining the ball with a lolly in his mouth.
But regardless of what the ICC decide to do there is no denying the tourists, outclassed on day one of the first Test at the WACA, have ruthlessly dismantled Steve Smith's side.
The Proteas hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. If they win the day-night clash that starts at Adelaide Oval next Thursday, hey will become the first side to whitewash Australia on home soil since federation.
But even that wouldn't earn du Plessis a promotion.
"At the moment it's clear to us that Faf is stand-in captain and AB is the current captain when he comes back," South Africa chairman of selectors Linda Zondi told reporters in Hobart.
"AB is still the captain."
De Villiers is currently recovering from surgery. Rumours of him returning for next week's day-night Test continue to persist despite all evidence suggesting it won't happen.
The superstar is expected to be back on the park soon but Zondi noted he won't be ready for the rigours of international cricket for a little while.
"We will be guided (as to when de Villiers can play for South Africa again) by the medical team in terms of where he is and in terms of match fitness," Zondi said.
"He has been away for five months - a long time. For starters, he has to be match fit."
South Africa have won their past seven clashes with Austraia (five ODIs, two Tests), suggesting there is no rush for de Villiers to return.
"We nominated Faf to be a stand-in captain and he has done a very good job," Zondi said.
"It was an easy process for us when the decision was made because he was already the T20 captain, so it was continuation."
The Proteas will be making a quick stop in Melbourne for a pink ball tune-up before assembling in Adelaide for the series finale under lights at Adelaide Oval.
The tourists will tackle a Victoria XI at the MCG on Saturday, while the third Test starts next Thursday in Adelaide.
"I don't think we are going to change much," Zondi said.
"You need to back players, it's very important."
