Ottis has ‘no worries’ about Quinny
IN LIGHT of the recently completed Test series between South Africa and India, one of the biggest talking points has been the form of wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.
The left-hander has endured the leanest of patches, a crisis in batting confidence and, aside from a cameo of 43 in the first innings in Cape Town, has been a shadow of his former self.
“He’ll be disappointed he didn’t get some scores in this series,” SA coach Ottis Gibson agreed.
“Going forward, he is still a key component in our team. We will sit down with Quinny and Dale Benkenstein, the batting coach, and see how we can rebuild his confidence.”
In De Kock’s favour is an ODI series against India – a team he has enjoyed many fine moments facing. India know the danger De Kock possesses in coloured clothing, and Gibson himself is looking forward to seeing what a change of format will do to galvanise a key player.
“He might go and score four hundreds. That’s the talent he is, so there are no worries from me,” Gibson said cheerfully.
De Kock has helped himself to five centuries against India, including three on the trot against them during their last visit to SA in 2013.
He blitzed India, securing single-handedly the
series for SA, with such certainty of foot movement and gap-finding that he stood head and shoulders above even his own, illustrious teammates.
But, cricket goes in seasons, and that gushing run-spring of 2013 seems a long time ago now.
Knowing full well what De Kock has done before, Gibson and Benkenstein remain confident he will turn the corner, and fire from atop the order once more.
Looking ahead to the sixmatch series, Gibson reiterated convenor of selectors Linda Zondi’s sentiments about the need to explore other options. Players will be rested at some point, and newcomers like Lungi Ngidi and Khaya Zondo will get a chance to show what they can do.
“The squad is selected for the first three games, then we will look to expose a few other players at this level,” Gibson explained.
That is not to suggest that they are taking India lightly.
“India are a very good oneday
team. They play more ODIs than we do, so we look forward to the series,” Gibson said. “Hopefully there will be packed houses around the country, and the cricket will be very entertaining and so on.”
More than results, Gibson and company want to know what they have in reserve for the 2019 World Cup. The starting XI pretty much takes care of itself, but there are other aspects that need sorting out.
“With the emphasis on the World Cup, we want to try and expose a few more players. The fans obviously want to see the best team. We want to play some winning cricket, and we are certainly not going to devalue the cricket in any way, shape or form,” Gibson said of the rotation policy.
Winning is not the be-all and end-all for SA at this point, and the coach added that losing the series and gaining more insight on what he has at hand would still be valuable.
The first ODI between India and SA will be at Kingsmead, on Thursday (1pm start).