De Kock to take ‘mental health’ break

South Africa captain Quinton de Kock will take a ‘mental health’ and skip the country’s domestic T20 tournament, on medical advice.
Chief Executive of the SA Cricketers’ Association (SACA) told ESPN that the wicketkeeper will take some time away from the game “for a few weeks”.
“SACA and Cricket South Africa will continue to support him through this process,” said Breetzke.
The South Africa cricket of the year in 2020, De Kock returned home from Pakistan last week, where the Proteas lost two Tests and the skipper was widely criticised for his captaincy as well as his form with the bat.
Prior to the Pakistan Tests De Kock admitted he found life in a bio bubble “unsettling” and questioned its sustainability.
Earlier on Monday, South Africa Director of Cricket Graeme Smith said all the country’s contracted players will play in the remaining matches in the domestic four-day competition as well as the T20 tournament.
However, it was later confirmed De Kock, and Faf du Plessis were not in the respective domestic squads, although the latter’s exclusion was not explained.
The T20 competition will take place between February 19 and 29 in a bio bubble in Durban.
Although the South African Test players have had a week off since the Pakistan series, the national T20 squad will go straight into the secure environment once they arrive back in the country, having lost 2-1 to Pakistan in a series which ended on Sunday.
“We are trying to manage these bubble lives that the players are spending time in, the mental health and welfare of players,” said Smith.
“But we need to do get our [national] players playing. We’ve got a lot of growth to happen in our men’s game and for players to step up.”
Latest
-
News
Moeen Ali fears 50-over cricket could be lost due to ‘unsustainable’ schedule
The World Cup winner is worried people are starting to view the 50-over format as ‘the long, boring one’.
-
The Hundred
Alex Hales leads Trent Rockets to opening Hundred win
The former England opener hit 58 off 41 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.
-
News
Richard Thompson named as new ECB chair and pledges to restore trust in cricket
The 55-year-old will leave is role at Surrey.
-
England
Jos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
News
Harry Brooks and Will Jacks in England Lions squad to face South Africa
The tour match will give an opportunity for players to push for a first Test cap.
-
The Hundred
Nathan Ellis and Jordan Thompson help London Spirit claim thrilling derby win
Australian fast bowler Ellis (three for 28) and Thompson (two for 31) reduced the home side to 12 for four.
-
News
Jofra Archer extends Sussex contract for another year
The 27-year-old World Cup winner has been sidelined for more than a year by injury.
-
News
Northern Superchargers put their faith in experience for Hundred campaign
The Headingley-based men’s side could have eight players aged 34 and over in their first-choice XI.
-
News
Liam Livingstone looking forward to entertaining fans in the Hundred again
The England all-rounder finished the 2021 men’s Hundred with the most runs and the highest individual score.
-
News
On this day in 2008: Kevin Pietersen named England Test and one-day captain
The South Africa-born batter made a bright start but lasted just five months in the roles.