Quinton De Kock ruled out of ODIs, T20s against India

Monitoring Desk

CENTURIAN: South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series, and the T20s against India after suffering a left wrist injury during the second ODI in Centurion. De Kock will require two to four weeks to recover, which could put his participation in the Test series against Australia, which begins on March 1, in doubt.

Heinrich Klaasen, the only other specialist wicketkeeper in the squad, is almost certain to make his ODI debut in Cape Town. AB de Villiers is also injured but is expected to return for the fourth ODI at the Wanderers on Saturday, though it is not yet known whether he will take the gloves. The selectors have not named a replacement in the squad.

“Quinton suffered an extreme blow to the left wrist while batting in the second ODI on Sunday and felt severe pain and discomfort,” team manager Mohammed Moosajee said. “Further investigation revealed severe bony bruising to the area, with associated swelling around the tendon in the wrist. This type of injury will require between 2-4 weeks to heal. The Cricket South Africa medical team will aim to have him ready for the Test series against Australia starting next month.”

De Kock’s injury leaves South Africa without an opening batsman and their first-choice keeper, but he has endured a torrid time during the India tour. He has not crossed fifty once in eight innings across all formats.

De Kock is the third South African player to suffer an injury in the last 10 days, after de Villiers and Faf du Plessis, who are currently recovering from finger injuries. Dale Steyn, who was not named in the ODI squad, is still recovering from a heel concern. India lead the six-match series 2-0 after routing South Africa by nine wickets in the second ODI at SuperSport Park.