In a surprising turn of events, Quinton de Kock has reversed his retirement from ODI cricket, giving the South African national cricket team a great boost.
Yes, you read that right. Cricket South Africa has announced the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming Proteas tour of Pakistan next month.
Quinton de Kock Reverses ODI Retirement
It has to be noted that Quinton de Kock last played for the Proteas in the ICC T20 World Cup final match in Barbados. Earlier, he announced his retirement from the longest format of the game during the India series in 2021, citing family commitments, and then, after the ICC World Cup 2023, he decided to retire from the ODI format of the game as well. While QDK didn’t announce his retirement from the T20s, he wasn’t given a central contract last year.
He continued playing in the franchise leagues around the world. He played for the South African franchise league SA20, the Indian Premier League (IPL), Major League Cricket, and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Quinton de Kock’s return is a major boost to the South African cricket team, and to some extent international cricket as well. QDK’s decision to reverse his retirement comes just in time, ahead of the next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and the 50-over World Cup, for which South Africa is a co-host, in 2027.
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“Quinton’s return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us,” South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said.
“When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear that he still has a strong ambition to represent his country.”
“Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team.”
Apart from the T20 and ODI squads for the white-ball tour of Pakistan, Cricket South Africa also released the Test squad for the upcoming Test series.
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Bavuma Sidelined with Injury
South Africa will begin their World Test Championship title defence without captain Temba Bavuma, who has been ruled out of the first Test series against Pakistan. Temba Bavuma picked up a calf strain during the recent white-ball tour of England and will be out of action for six to eight weeks. In his absence, Aiden Markram will step in to lead the Test team, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Harmer Back in the Mix
There’s also some good news for the Proteas. Offspinner Simon Harmer has been recalled and is set to join the spin attack alongside Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen. Harmer last featured in a Test back in March 2023. South Africa’s first-choice spinner Keshav Maharaj is still recovering from a groin injury and will only be available from the second Test onwards.
Warm-Up in Namibia
Before the Pakistan series kicks off, South Africa will play a T20I in Namibia to open the new stadium in Windhoek. That game will feature a second-string squad led by Donovan Ferreira. Big names like Quinton de Kock, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Rivaldo Moonsamy are also set to play in the match.
ODI Squad Updates
Ferreira has also been picked in the ODI squad to face Pakistan, along with Burger, Coetzee, and de Kock. Left-arm spinners George Linde and Bjorn Fortuin are back in the mix, while legspinner Nqaba Peter has earned a call-up too. On the other hand, Tabraiz Shamsi, who turned down a national contract, has not been included. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who also didn’t sign a deal, misses out as well.
Test Squad Remains Strong
The Test squad itself still carries most of the players who lifted the WTC mace against Australia in June. New faces include Dewald Brevis, Subrayen, and Zubayr Hamza. Dane Paterson has missed out, while Lungi Ngidi has only been named in the white-ball squads. The pace attack will once again be led by Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Wiaan Mulder.
Coach’s Perspective
“Temba’s calf strain will unfortunately keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for the India tour in November,” said head coach Shukri Conrad, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available. He has been such an important leader and batter for us in the Test side, and his presence on and off the field will be missed,” Conrad added.
“At the same time, the majority of the Test squad have experience of playing in the subcontinent and understand the demands that come with it, so I’m confident they will embrace the challenge. Pakistan is one of the tougher places to tour, and with spin-friendly conditions expected and Keshav only available from the second game, it was important to have an experienced campaigner like Simon in the squad to provide extra depth in the spin department.”
Full South Africa Squads for Pakistan and Namibia Tours
South Africa squad for Pakistan Tests:
Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne
South Africa’s squad for Pakistan T20Is:
David Miller (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams
South Africa’s squad for Pakistan ODIs:
Matthew Breetzke (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile
South Africa’s squad for Namibia T20Is:
Donovan Ferreira (c), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams.
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