Quinton de Kock to miss the last two Tests against India
South Africa’s wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock is all set to miss the last two Tests against India in Johannesburg and Cape Town. De Kock and his wife are expecting the birth of their child and the celebrated cricketer has decided to be by his wife’s side.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has granted Quinto de Kock paternity leave to be with his wife. It will be a massive loss for the home side considering the tons of experience de Kock brings to the middle order with the bat alongside his wicket-keeping duties.
South Africa have two possible replacements at their disposal in the form of Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton, who can come in as Quinton de Kock’s replacement. However, they only have limited experience, playing only two matches combined and this will certainly test South Africa’s lower order in De Kock’s absence.
The second and third Test is scheduled to commence on January 3 and 11 respectively.
South Africa collapse after Quinton de Kock-Temba Bavuma’s 72-run stand
The hosts triggered a collapse in the morning session of day 3 to bowl out India for 327 runs. Lungi Ngidi (6/71) and Kagiso Rabada (3/72) shared the honours as they picked up seven wickets giving away only 55 runs.
In reply, South Africa’s openers failed to pose any resistance against India’s new ball bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah drew the first blood before Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with telling contributions to have the Proteas at 32/4.
Staring a collapse, Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma revived the Proteas innings with a 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket. The South African wicket-keeper scored 34 runs off 63 deliveries, which included three boundaries and one six. However, a rash shot off Shardul Thakur ended his stay in the middle which shifted the momentum once again in India’s favour.
Bavuma scored a useful half-century and along with valuable contributions from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, South Africa could only post 197 runs. Shami was the pick of the bowlers with a five-wicket haul.
With a first innings lead of 130 runs, India lost Mayank Agarwal at the stroke of the end of the day’s play. The visitors go to stumps at 16/1 with KL Rahul and nightwatchman Shadul Thakur in the middle.
