South Africa’s problem of player injuries seems to be never-ending. Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has been ruled out of the ODI and T20I series after suffering a wrist injury. At first, it was AB de Villiers who was ruled out for first three ODIs followed by Faf du Plessis who injured his finger during his century knock in the first ODI.
Now, with De Kock, three experienced players have been injured and South Africa are struggling against India in limited overs cricket. The next ODI will prove to be a do-or-die match for them as India will be looking to take a 3-0 lead. The six-match ODI series seems to be heading India’s way as the hosts are without experienced leadership and quality players.
According to South Africa’s team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee,
“Quinton suffered an extreme blow to the left wrist while batting in the second ODI on Sunday and felt severe pain and discomfort. Further investigation revealed severe bony bruising to the area, with associated swelling around the tendon in the wrist.”
He also explained the extent of the injury and time required to get back in shape.
“This type of injury will require between 2-4 weeks to heal, which subsequently rules him out of the remainder of the ODI and T20 series against India. The Cricket South Africa medical team will aim to have him ready for the Test series against Australia starting next month.”
#BreakingNews #CSAnews #SAvIND De Kock ruled out of India ODIs and T20s with wrist injury … https://t.co/DbGakUmyfe pic.twitter.com/XfdNMBYgHd
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 5, 2018
De Kock has not been in a decent form this season. He got off to a decent start in both the ODIs but has not been able to convert his spell into big scores. He threw away his wicket in the second ODI, trying to attack Yuzvendra Chahal too early, which also led to the batting collapse. He has had an outstanding record against India before the series. He scored 4 centuries and 1 half-century in 10 ODIs before the series.
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However, the big question is — who will keep wickets for South Africa in his absence? Cricket South Africa will not be naming a replacement for him according to the press release. Heinrich Klaasen is likely to make his debut, he got his maiden T20 call in January 2018.
