14 Facts about Quinton de Kock - The next big thing in South African Cricket

Quinton de Kock has been touted as the future of South African cricket. The aggressive left-handed opener and wicketkeeper has become one of the most prolific openers for South Africa in the ODI format in recent times. De Kock has whipped the bowling attacks effortlessly. And, he doesn’t look to slow down anytime soon. He has the combination of flair and stability in his batting. Also, his wicketkeeping skills have freed AB de Villiers from the responsibility. Still young at age and learning, de Kock surely is the next big thing of the South Africa cricket.

Here are some engrossing facts about Quinton de Kock:

1. Born on:

Quinton de Kock was born on December 17, 1992. He grew up in Johannesburg.

2. Early life:

De Kock attended King Edward VII School in Johannesburg. The alumni of this school include former opening batsman Neil McKenzie and former South African skipper Graeme Smith.

3. Cricketing journey:

He was spotted as a schoolboy talent and started playing for the affiliate club Old Eds. This is where his journey as a cricketer began.

4. Domestic debut:

Quinton de Kock debuted for the Gauteng senior team, Johannesburg during the 2009–10 season at the age of 16.

5. International debut:

He made his international debut on 21st December 2012, against New Zealand in a T20I. Just a month later, he made his ODI debut against the same opposition and one year later he made his debut in the whites against Australia at Port Elizabeth.

6. Skipper of South Africa U19 team:

De Kock was captain of South Africa’s Under19 side for nine matches in January 2012 before being replaced so that he could focus on his batting. His overall U19 record remains formidable: 1,409 runs in 30 matches at an average of 48.58 and strike rate of 98.53 with four tons and seven fifties.

7. Bradman against India:

At the age of 21, during the 2013 home series, de Kock hit three back-to-back One-Day International (ODI) centuries against India. He currently averages 114 against India, at a strike-rate of 95.26. Also, this feat made him the first player to score three successive one-day centuries.

8. Young centurion:

De Kock shares the record for the most number of ODI centuries by the age of 21 with Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga. Both men scored six ODI tons at the age of 21 though he has the better record among the two.

9. A hard worker:

After his debut, de Kock still had a few aspects to work on, he ironed them out by putting in extra efforts. He went to his senior-most team-mate Neil McKenzie and asked for advice, McKenzie worked with him in the nets to help him with his batting. De Kock’s work ethic soared and the time he spent in the nets was even more than his mentor McKenzie, who had a reputation of being the last man to leave the practice ground.

10. From “Tubby Taylor” to just “Quinny”

Quinton de Kock’s Highveld Lions teammate Neil McKenzie said that de Kock was called ‘Tubby Taylor’ when was younger due to his chubby physique and comparisons to former Australian cricketer Mark Taylor. De Kock disliked the nickname and worked hard to lose the fat and eventually succeeded within two months. Thus, losing the embarrassing nickname. He is now called only “Quinny.”

11. Weird coincidence:

The second Test of South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2014 played at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, saw an awkward scenario. The wicketkeepers of both sides were named “Dickwella” and “de Kock.”

12. The Steyn nightmare:

During an ODI against Australia during the Zimbabwe Triangular Series, de Kock got the shock of his life. Glenn Maxwell had hit one straight up in the air and both de Kock and Dale Steyn ran for it. Both could have collided with each other, but Steyn pulled away at the right time with de Kock completing the catch. De Kock then looked at Steyn with a bright smile, but Steyn acted as if he was angered and advanced towards him furiously. For some seconds, de Kock had no clue about what to do and looked absolutely horrified. But, Steyn went on to hug the young man and laughed at him. It was prank which he would never forget.

13. That special match:

After a CLT20 match in 2012 between Highveld Lions (de Kock’s team) and Mumbai Indians, one of the cheerleaders during the match, Sasha Hurly, who was highly impressed, came and congratulated him. Later their friendship blossomed over Facebook and their romance began. Sasha and de Kock have been dating ever since.

14. Other teams:

Quinton de Kock plays for the Gauteng and Highveld Lions side at the domestic level in South Africa. In the IPL 2014, he was bought for 3.5 crores in the players auction by Delhi Daredevils and eventually became the highest bid foreign wicketkeeper in the auction.