“It’s healing nicely, and it will be ready in time for the tour of the UK”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has confirmed that he will be fit and healthy prior to the start of the Champions Trophy in England in June.
De Kock is currently nursing ligament damage in his right index finger and was forced to miss the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a result of it.
Nonetheless, the 24-year-old revealed that he should make a full recovery in four weeks, which should lead to him being picked for the ODI series against England prior to the Champions Trophy.
“It’s healing nicely, and it will be ready in time for the tour of the UK. I’ve got a few weeks at home, and I am just taking it easy,” he said. “It’s nice to see the trophy here, in Joburg, and hopefully we can bring it back for a longer time in June.”
De Kock was present at the last edition of the Champions Trophy in 2013, but did not get an opportunity to play.
“I was actually at the last one,” he said. “But I was still a baby, and didn’t get on the field.”
De Kock was named ICC ODI Player of the year in December, but he pointed out that his top priority is to see the Proteas be successful in all formats.
“You know, that award is nice, but I don’t worry too much about individual accolades. As long as the team is successful, then I am happy,” he said.
When asked how he felt his season had gone, De Kock said: “It’s been a good season. If I were to pick a knock from this season, I would say the century against Sri Lanka was one that I felt really good. I was hitting the ball really nicely, and I felt like I could bat and bat.
“The keeping… I don’t know. There have been some nice catches, but I wouldn’t say that I have paid extra attention to it. I think it’s from playing a lot of cricket. The more I play, the better I feel behind the stumps, so it has been a good season from that side of things.”
“It has been a good season. We had some great wins, against some tough teams. I think we have a few options with bat and ball, and a lot of the youngsters have stepped up.”
Despite only being 24 and having a baby-face, De Kock is seen as one of the senior players in the squad.
When questioned about this, the Johannesburg native said: “I am a ‘lighty’. 24… Ya, I have been in the team for a while now. I am married, but I am still a lighty.”
With South Africa currently enjoying a break from international cricket, De Kock pointed out that it was nice to be able to spend some time at home with his wife. But, he added that he is looking forward to getting back on the field.
“I am looking forward to it. Just to get over there, and get those tune-up games before he tournament,” he said. “And then, maybe I will get to play in the tournament this time.”