Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s white-ball captain, said Quinton de Kock will have a point to prove in the three-match ODI series against India after his unexpected retirement from Test cricket. The series begins on Wednesday in Paarl (January 19).
“It’s great to see Quinny once more.” In the Test team, he is visibly missed. He has made his decision (to resign), and we respect his decision. It’s great to have Quinny back on the squad. “If Quinny is anything like me, he’ll have something to prove,” Bavuma remarked during a virtual press conference.
“I’m sure he’s as delighted as we are to be back in the team,” Bavuma continued in answer to a question about having de Kock back in the team following the turmoil surrounding his retirement from Test cricket in the middle of the series against India.
After India won the first Test of the series, the dashing left-handed batter-wicketkeeper announced his retirement from the longest format of the game, claiming he wanted to spend more time with his growing family. De Kock first refused to take the knee at last year’s T20 World Cup when Cricket South Africa (CSA) ordered players to do so, and as a result, he missed the game against the West Indies. He later apologised and has since taken the knee.
Bavuma stated they are up against a good side in the ODI series against India, but they are ready for the task. “In terms of white ball, India is a formidable opponent. We will treat their ODI squad with the respect that they deserve, just as we do any other team. Given the Test series, we know it will be difficult.
“We’ve been training as best we can to be ready for whatever obstacle comes our way,” Bavuma added.
He also stated that Marco Jansen, a lanky left-arm bowler, has been brought into the ODI team and is in contention. “It’s clear that Marco has been called up to the ODI team. He has demonstrated his cricketing abilities to the rest of the world. Getting him into the white ball group and seeing him demonstrate his abilities was a no-brainer. Jansen “comes into contention,” Bavuma remarked.
In terms of the potential bowling lineup for the ODIs, the South African captain noted that the circumstances in Paarl (where the first two matches will be played) will be taken into account, and that the spinners would play a role. “When it comes to bowling combinations, we must take into account the conditions in Paarl.” It’s a far cry from the highveld wickets. Paarl is a little lower and a little more skiddish.
“Guys like Lungi (Ngidi) and Jansen come into play.” Guys who can take advantage of the situation. Slower bowlers will find Paarl to be very welcoming. Shamsi, Keshav, and Linde are all involved. “Everyone on the squad is up for grabs,” Bavuma remarked.
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When it comes to facing Indian spinners, he claimed the South African batsmen have been prepared for some time. “In fact, preparation has been ongoing for the past year. The team’s strong performance in Sri Lanka during the series there last year. You probably saw it in the T20 World Cup as well.
“Spin bowling is a strength of India’s, so we’ll try to prepare as best as we can to counteract that,” he continued.
“There is always pressure,” Bavuma replied when asked if he felt pressured to perform. There is no greater motivation for this set of lads than facing a formidable opponent like the Indian team. Come tomorrow, we have to make sure we show up and do what we have to do.”
Bavuma stated he felt like his feet were moving good and he was hitting the ball nicely in the previous Test series that South Africa won. “Look, the Test series went really well for the squad and for myself.” The feet appeared to be in good shape. I’d like to keep the same sensation going. To be honest, I’ve been repeating myself. Maybe I’m just having a nice run right now. “Right now, my feet are moving nicely, and I’m striking the ball nicely,” he said.