CAPE TOWN: South African cricket fans received bittersweet news on Tuesday as it was revealed that star wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock will bid farewell to one-day international (ODI) cricket following the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to commence in India on October 5.
The announcement of De Kock’s impending retirement came during the announcement of South Africa’s 15-man squad in Bloemfontein, just ahead of their five-match ODI series against Australia, set to begin this Thursday.
“Quinny has been a magnificent player for South Africa in 50-over cricket,” expressed South Africa’s coach, Rob Walter, as he threw his support behind the 30-year-old cricketer to conclude his ODI career in a spectacular manner.
Following his international retirement from Test cricket in 2022, De Kock is expected to continue participating in Australia’s Big Bash League in December. This decision, however, may clash with a one-day series against India.
While confirming De Kock’s availability for T20 internationals, Coach Walter acknowledged the evolving landscape of cricket, stating, “In the ever-changing world of cricket, there is going to be an inevitable clash between leagues and international cricket. If we aren’t flexible, we are going to lose players from the international game.”
South Africa Announces Squad for World Cup
Among the squad, promising 22-year-old fast bowler Gerald Coetzee was visibly emotional when his selection was announced during a ceremony in his hometown. Coach Walter commended Coetzee, noting the “fire in his belly.”
In a squad filled with fast bowling talent, Sisanda Magala, who had initially not been named in an 18-man squad for the series against Australia due to a left knee injury, made the cut.
South Africa’s squad notably includes six fast bowlers and just two specialist spin bowlers, emphasizing their strength in the fast bowling department. Coach Walter explained, “Our strength has been in fast bowling, and we want to be able to have four high-quality fast bowlers on the park in most situations. That is why we have gone with extra fast bowlers.”
South Africa’s journey in the upcoming World Cup will commence with a match against Sri Lanka in Delhi on October 7. Addressing South Africa’s historical performance in World Cups, Captain Temba Bavuma emphasized, “It’s about playing good cricket for a five to seven-week period.”
Before their World Cup campaign, South Africa faces Australia in an important ODI series. Bavuma acknowledged the significance of this series, stating, “People might see this series as a warm-up for the World Cup, but it is an important series on its own.”
South Africa Squad for World Cup
Temba Bavuma (captain), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen
