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Quinton de Kock
Sydney Seshibedi / Gallo Images
- Proteas head coach Mark Boucher revealed that Quinton de Kock will hit number five ahead of the two-game test series against Sri Lanka.
- De Kock, who is South Africa’s best test hitter, will not only put on the gloves, but will also lead the test side this season.
- Boucher also stated that the Proteas will handle the star hitter’s workload ahead of a busy 2021 season.
Proteas trainer Mark Boucher confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock He will hit number five before Saturday’s first Test against Sri Lanka at Centurion.
There were questions about De Kock’s batting position in the Proteas lineup after his promotion as a test pattern for the 2020/21 season.
De Kock is known for his explosive nature, which has seen him dominate the T20 and one-day landscape.
Heading into the two-game test series against Sri Lanka, there was uncertainty about where De Kock will hit. Will it go up in order or will it go down to number seven?
Boucher told reporters Thursday that the Proteas will use the “dangerous” De Kock in the middle order at number five.
“We think Quinny is an aggressive player and a dangerous player and teams know that when he comes in, they have to land the balls in the right areas,” Boucher said.
“We hit him in a position that we feel will be more dangerous for us. At this stage, he will hit No. 5.”
In his 47 Tests for the Proteas, De Kock usually ranked number seven, playing 27 Tests at that position.
He has only hit number five twice in red ball cricket and the last appearance was against England on the Wanderers in January of this year.
“It’s also nice to have a southpaw in that position (number five) and he’s also right around the corner from the second new ball, where we’ve seen what he can do and how fast he can score,” added Boucher. .
“It’s an aggressive move, but one that we already implemented last season and I don’t see any reason to change.”
Despite a long period of lockdown, De Kock is coming off a successful Indian Premier League campaign with the champions Mumbai Indians.
The Proteas will need an energetic and fit De Kock as the Proteas host Australia and travel to Pakistan next year.
Boucher admitted that the Proteas will monitor the 28-year-old’s workload ahead of the busy 2021 season.
“Regarding him and his workload, it’s something we’ll be looking at in the future as he plays all three formats for us,” Boucher said.
“Where we see an opportunity to maybe turn things around a bit and maybe not keep it, we are in constant conversations with him to handle his load and, when possible, rest him or give him a break from the gloves.”
“Test match cricket is the most authentic form of the game and I still feel that Quinny has a lot to offer as a leader.”
Saturday’s game at SuperSport Park begins at 10:00.
