South Africa confident of getting Quinton de Kock back for India series
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South Africa are confident that Quinton de Kock will recover before the first Test against India after scans confirmed that he only sustained a low-grade hamstring strain. He was unable to take the field after the injury and that forced skipper AB de Villiers to take the gloves in his Test comeback.
De Kock pulled the muscle while batting on the opening day of the day-night Test at St George's Park and after some treatment, the doctor suggested him to take rest, keeping an eye on the upcoming series against India that starts on January 5. So, he didn't take the field after South Africa had declared their innings on 309 for 9 in the final session which forced AB de Villiers to play the role of the wicket-keeper.
"He will continue to receive treatment with the physio but won't take the field for the rest of the match," a CSA spokesperson said. "The medical team is confident he'll recover in time for the first match against India."
In the match against Zimbabwe, de Villiers gave his services behind the stumps but it’s not a long-term solution for the team as he himself is facing back issues. If de Kock failed to recover during the series against India, Titans wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen would appear to be the likeliest replacement. Heino Kuhn and Knights wicketkeeper-batsman Rudi Second would be the other contender for the position.
