Quinton de Kock to captain SA for the South Africa vs Sri Lanka Test

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Friday that their star wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock will captain the Proteas for South Africa vs Sri Lanka Test series 2020-21.

de Kock will be leading a fairly young team for the Test series with the inclusion of three newcomers, and two of their senior players ruled out due to injuries.

“Quinton is happy to continue in the role for the next season and is comfortable with the balance of the workload and we back him fully as a captain,” Convenor of Selectors Victor Mpitsang said in a statement.

The Proteas Test squad has welcomed three debutants for the upcoming series, seamer Glenton Stuurman, batsman Sarel Erwee, and wicket-keeper batsman Kyle Verreynne. Stuurman was also included in the South African squad limited-overs series against England in November, marking his first international venture. Verreynne was also picked up for the limited-overs series against England in November. He was a part of the squad during South Africa vs England ODI series in January. Verreynne has appeared in three matches.

Kagiso Rabada and Dwaine Pretorius will not feature in the Test series as the two are still under their rehab period due to their injuries. Pretorius had to be ruled out due to the hamstring injury he sustained during a team practice session at Six Gun Grill Newlands. Strike bowler Rabada, on the other hand, is still facing troubles because of his groin injury.

The two-match Betway Test series, hosted by South Africa, will roll out on December 26. The Soth Africa vs Sri Lanka Test series will form a part of the ICC World Test Championship. The venues decided for the matches are Centurion and Johannesburg.

South Africa squad: Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Beuran Hendricks, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, Sarel Erwee, Anrich Nortje, Glenton Stuurman, Wiaan Mulder, Keegan Petersen, Kyle Verreyne.