South Africa’s wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock will miss the third Test against India as he awaits the birth of his first child. De Kock’s wife Sasha is expected to give birth in early January, which could rule him out of both the second and third Tests, especially given bio-bubble conditions.
As per reports in ESPNCricinfo, South Africa’s selection convener Victor Mpitsang has confirmed that he expects Quinton de Kock to miss the last Test. If Quinton de Kock is required to leave the bio-bubble during the second Test, it is unlikely that he can to the biosecure environment in time for the final Test. One of Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton will replace the wicket-keeper batsman.
🚨BREAKING🚨
Quinton de Kock is set to miss the second or third Test or both of the India Test series as he and his wife Sasha are expecting the birth of their first child in January.
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— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) December 13, 2021
The last time de Kock sat out a South Africa game was at the T20 World Cup, where he opted out of the second group-stage match after refusing to comply with a CSA board directive to take the knee. De Kock subsequently took a knee in the remaining three matches. CSA has since confirmed that the national team will take a knee throughout the summer.
South Africa are due to host India in a three-match Test series beginning December 26 at Centurion. The second Test is scheduled to start on January 3 in Johannesburg, while the final match is slated for a January 11 start in Cape Town.
South Africa squad for India Tests: Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), 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.
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