ODI sensation Quinton de Kock looks to claim Test spot
After impressing in the three-match ODI series against India, South Africa's Quinton de Kock will look to carry the momentum in the domestic circuit with the Highveld Lions to stake a claim in the national Test side.
South Africa's latest limited-overs sensation Quinton de Kock, who scored three tons in as many One-Day Internationals and claimed a handful of records in the process, has returned to his domestic side Highveld Lions to play in white flannels and stake a claim for a Test spot in the national side. (Quinton de Kock, South Africa's baby-faced assassin)
With a dash of flair and exuberance doused in consistency, Quinton de Kock has surely grabbed the attention of the national selectors. The ball will now be in De Kock's court to prove that he can replicate his free-scoring form in the game's purest formats.
AB de Villiers's faith in the youngster, who turned 21 on Tuesday, paid off during the ODI series as he sent the Indian bowlers on a leather hunt in the hosts' 2-0 series win. The blueprint of all the three tons involved a careful, solid start followed by a smooth transition to playing his shots. (Quinton de Kock's record in ODI series)
Despite being a rookie in terms of both age and experience, the left hander displayed a great sense of maturity and the ability to dominate the Indian bowlers. His penchant for runs and urge to make use of every good start is evident by the fact that he has a 100% fifty to century conversion rate.
De Kock now has a chance to put forth his batting prowess and prove that he has the mettle and temperament to play the longest format of the game when Lions host Dolphins at Senwes Park.
Loin's skipper Stephen Cook only had words of praise for De Kock. He said, " He's been at training and the boys are really happy for him. They've seen the work that he's put in first hand, so the boys are very proud.
"There's been talk about him stepping up to Test cricket, and I think the message has been unofficially put out that he should go back to domestic cricket and get some runs against the red ball, so there's certainly no lack of motivation on his side," he added.
Thami Tsolekile's return to the Lions' squad on Wednesday, gives De Kock an opportunity to play as a specialist opener, a spot that he would be vying for in the national side.
De Kock has just turned 21, meaning that he has years of cricket ahead of him. As and when he makes it to the South African Test team, one can only expect more runs to flow from his bat.