De Kock’s last Test for South Africa came against Bangladesh in July 2015

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

South Africa have called up wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock and pace bowler Chris Morris for the second Test against England in Cape Town.

De Kock scored 117 for the Titans in their most recent round of the Sunfoil four-day tournament against the Cape Cobras. It is likely that de Kock will replace AB de Villiers behind the stumps after he dropped two catches during South Africa’s 241-run loss to England in the first Test in Durban.

South Africa captain Hashim Amla hinted that de Villiers is likely to allow de Kock to don the keeping gloves for the second Test as it will allow him to reduce his workload and focus solely on his batting.

“Having AB keep allows us to play an extra batter and he has said he will do it,” Amla said. “We’ll see how he feels at the end of today because he has had a heavy workload. Depending on how AB feels, we will decide on Quinton.”

There was also speculation that opening batsman Stephen Cook would also come into the side, but the Proteas decided to retain Stiaan van Zyl despite his poor run of form with the bat continuing in Durban.

“Following our performance and injuries in the first Test, we have recognised the need to bolster the squad,” Linda Zondi, the Cricket South Africa convener of selectors, said. “This will provide us with more selection options for the second Test match at Newlands.”

Meanwhile, pace bowler Dale Steyn has been retained in the squad even though he suffered a shoulder injury during the first Test.

The 32-year-old is unlikely to feature in the second Test, which starts on January 2, but he will undergo a fitness test on New Year’s Day in Cape Town.

“We will assess Dale over the next day or two,” South Africa coach Russell Domingo said. “It is unlikely he will play the next Test. He has not made much Test cricket for us lately and that is a big blow.”