India tour of South Africa: South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock will miss at least the third Test against India as he awaits the birth of his first child. The 28-year-old and his wife Sasha are expecting the birth of their first child in early January. Considering the strict bio-bubble protocols to be in place for the series, de Kock could miss on the second and the third Test. Follow India tour of South Africa live on InsideSports.IN.
India tour of South Africa: Quinton de Kock likely to take paternity leave, miss part of Test series
South Africa’s selection convener Victor Mpitsang confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he expects the southpaw “to miss the last Test”, which will leave the Proteas without their wicketkeeper and a solid lower-middle-order batsmen. One of Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton will play in de Kock’s place.
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Wester Province’s Verreynne made his Test debut during South Africa’s tour of West Indies in June in the absence of vice-captain Temba Bavuma, who was injured. The 24-year-old scored 39 runs in three innings. Verreynne has since played three first-class matches for and scored one half-century.
On the other hand, Rickelton, who is uncapped, has had a better recent run. He is the tenth highest run-scorer in the first-class batting charts this season, and has scored two centuries in his last three games, also leading the Lions to the top of the points table.
The much-awaited series is set to kick start from December 26 in Centurion. Team India players have started to quarantine in Mumbai and expected to leave for South Africa on December 16.
South Africa Squad for India Tests: Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain), Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Kagiso Rabada, Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Glenton Stuurman, Prenelan Subrayen, Sisanda Magala, Ryan Rickelton, Duanne Olivier
India tour of South Africa: Quinton de Kock likely to take paternity leave, miss part of Test series
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