Ahead of a three-match ODI series, Quinton de Kock insists he’s fully moved on from the drama of 2018.
Quinton de Kock says he has left the controversy of South Africa’s 2018 Test series against Australia behind him as he turns his focus to mentoring a young Proteas squad ahead of the tourists’ return.
Australia are back in South Africa for three ODIs and three Tests, their first Test assignment in the country since that infamous 2018 series, which was defined by ball-tampering fallout and repeated flashpoints between the two sides.
De Kock himself was drawn into the controversy during the first Test at Kingsmead, receiving a demerit point and a 25% match-fee fine after an on-field altercation with then Australia vice-captain David Warner.
De Kock, now 33, will not feature in the Test series, having retired from the format three years ago, but is part of the ODI squad for the series opener at Kingsmead on Heritage Day. Asked about the events of 2018, he was matter-of-fact about moving on.
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“I think 2018 was a long time ago. I’ve kind of forgotten all about it,” de Kock told SportsBoom. “Obviously, I’m playing against the Aussies; it’s going to be a tough competition. They’ve got some really good players in their team, guys who know how to score runs, take wickets and field well, so it’s going to be a good competition. It always is. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a tough fight.”
Beyond the series itself, de Kock is also part of head coach Shukri Conrad’s planning for next year’s World Cup, which South Africa will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia. It will be his fourth World Cup, but his first played on home soil.
“Playing a World Cup at home, I’m sure there’s always going to be a little bit more expectation, especially when you have the country and the fans right on our doorstep now, in our own stadiums,” he said. “I’m sure coming with that little bit of extra pressure, there’ll obviously be a bit more extra support, so that’s also going to be nice.”
With Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi both sidelined through injury and Rassie van der Dussen having retired from international cricket, de Kock finds himself one of the more experienced heads in a youthful squad, a role he says he’s embracing as South Africa build toward that home World Cup.
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“I’m now surrounded by youngsters in my eyes. I think it’s just to lead them going forward, helping with cricket or certain decisions, or if they need any help in whichever way possible, with their own game or game situations or anything,” he said. “It’s just about me showing some leadership on and off the field.”
South Africa face Australia in three ODIs, in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom, with the series opener on Thursday at Kingsmead.
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