De Kock delighted not to be playing Stokes in England ODI series
Quinton De Kock is relieved his South Africa side will not have to contend with England’s premier all-rounder Ben Stokes during the one-day international series between the teams.
But the newly-appointed Proteas ODI captain acknowledged the tourists remain formidable opponents with a number of players who ushered them to their historic World Cup triumph last year.
Crucial to that success was Stokes, whose 318 runs at an average of 45.42, 10 wickets at 22 apiece and 12 catches saw him collect the player of the series award in England’s 3-1 Test series victory over South Africa.
However, Stokes, plus Jos Buttler, Mark Wood and the injured Jofra Archer, were rested from the squad that will play three ODIs as England prioritise the Twenty20 format, with two sprint format World Cups looming.
On the eve of the first ODI at Cape Town, De Kock said: “It’s always nice not to play against Ben Stokes.
“But they’ve still got some quality players, a lot of them are still World Cup winners and they’ve also got some exciting young players so I think it is important we start off with a win here.”
READ: Morgan ready for long-term future as England limited-overs captain
While England are missing a few of their established performers at the start of a new World Cup cycle, five members of South Africa’s squad are uncapped at ODI level.
It presents an opportunity for several to make their mark against the world champions – although De Kock believes England’s status as top dogs at 50-over level is an extra incentive for his inexperienced side.
He added: “No, not really actually. I think it’s just like playing any other team – just because you have a World Cup it doesn’t change anything. It’s still the normal English team that we play against.
“I remember last time we played them here we actually did pretty well – we won the series (3-2 in 2016). So it doesn’t change much whether they’re World Cup winners or not.”
Latest
-
NewsJames Anderson lands key wicket but Niroshan Dickwella fights on
England’s record wicket-taker was immediately on the hunt again, finding sharp movement off the pitch to remove Mathews in his first over.
-
NewsOn this day in 2016: Shivnarine Chanderpaul announces international retirement
Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2008, the West Indies batsman became only the second player to make a double century in his first Test as captain.
-
NewsSri Lanka v England Day One: Anderson and Mathews vie for control in Galle
James Anderson returned figures of three for 24.
-
NewsJames Anderson reveals nerves on Test return
The England seamer added to his 600 wickets as Sri Lanka finished day one on 229 for four in Galle.
-
NewsAlex Hales hits blistering Big Bash century
Hales has been in international exile since a second recreational drug test failure on the eve of England’s triumphant World Cup campaign.
-
NewsAngelo Mathews century repels England after James Anderson’s three-wicket burst
The 38-year-old finished with exemplary figures of three for 24 on a surface offering precious little encouragement.
-
NewsShubman Gill learned backfoot game with ‘1500 short balls every day’
Shubman Gill impressed with his technique against short-pitch bowling, and his father has said he honed those skills during practice.
-
NewsSri Lanka steady ship after James Anderson takes three wickets in Galle
The home side reached 155 for three at tea, with England’s record wicket-taker responsible for all three dismissals.
-
NewsCSA confident Australia tour will go ahead
CSA is confident the scheduled Australia tour to the country will take place despite the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in South Africa
-
NewsJames Anderson at the double on day one in Galle
Sri Lanka may have feared a repeat of their dismal 135 all out from last week.