After smashing three consecutive hundreds against India, he joined fellow South Africans Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers, as well as two Pakistani players Zaheer Abbas and Saeed Anwar who have achieved the feat before him.
His achievements helped South Africa to a series win against a rather disappointing Indian team. Before the series, India promised to be a tough opposition with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kholi all arriving in the country after great performances.
India’s batsmen struggled with the pace and bounce on South African pitches, while their bowlers struggled to contain South Africa’s top order batsmen.
After a disappointing loss to Pakistan, the Proteas were clinical to win a three-match ODI series against India despite the second half of the third match being rained out. The South African batsmen in particular played better than they did against Pakistan.
Speaking about his achievement, Man of the Series de Kock said all he was trying to do was keep batting, and he achieved that very well; unfortunately, he will have to wait a bit longer before making his Test debut.
It makes no sense why has to wait a bit longer, I have always believed AB de Villiers should not keeping wicket. Playing de Kock will allow AB to focus mainly on his batting and maybe offer an opportunity to bat a bit higher in the batting order.
Although I do not foresee South Africa losing a Test series at home, they now have the opportunity to tighten their Test side and continue dominating by making their number one Test team position their own.
Selectors have to start moulding the team in a way that makes room for new players to come in and continue building on the team’s success even after the likes of Jacques Kallis retire from the game. With AB being a strong candidate to take the number four spot, I would start playing de Kock at seven as a wicket keeper. That is how the great Marc Boucher started his career at 19, I see no reason he should not be considered.
The 20-year old keeper is also high in confidence, and the only way he can gain more confidence is by playing as often as possible, hopefully South African selectors realise this soon or later, because de Kock has the potential of being an Adam Gilchrist of the modern game.
Well done to the Proteas on a series win and good luck for the upcoming Test series starting next Wednesday December 18. Till next time… It’s Wicket Cricket!
