Neil McKenzie and Shane Jurgensen heap praises on Quinton de Kock for batting with pain

South Africa batting coach Neil McKenzie heaped praises on wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock who batted on Day 2 of the 3rd Test against New Zealand battling immense finger pain and went on to top score for the visiting team with a well-composed 90. The youngster suffered a tendon damage on his right index finger just before the fi al test in Hamilton but passed the fitness test on Friday.

He played some delightful shots during his innings of 90 which included 11 fours and 2 hits over the fence. His innings was instrumental in helping South Africa post a decent 314 on the board in their 1st innings. His sensational batting display not only earned the praise of McKenzie but also of New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen.

“Quinton’s a unique player, he knows his game really well for a young guy. His workload’s been dropped [because of his finger], hasn’t caught as many balls as he would have liked to, and obviously there’s a few tablets, anti-inflammatories, but Quinton doesn’t mind, he just gets on with it. But I definitely see that he’s very uncomfortable. He’s just a genuine talent, and he’s had a huge year for us,” McKenzie was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

“De Kock’s a very good player – his average speaks for itself. Their lower-order batters, credit to them. They’ve got solid techniques, they got a few away today and we probably didn’t quite execute as well as we wanted too and they got a few boundaries away,” Jurgensen said.

Currently, the Black Caps are well placed on 67/0 with Tom Latham and Jeet Raval going great guns. They have also reduced their deficit to 247 and will be looking to win their first Test against South Africa for the first time in the last 13 years. “We’ve had a good start – the game’s evenly poised,” said Jurgensen. “I think we’re in a good position but [there’s] still a lot of work to do and maybe more rain around.”

The bowling coach was particularly impressed with New Zealand’s bowling performance especially after missing the services of spearheads Tim Southee and Trent Boult. “Considering no Tim and Trent … I thought it was a fantastic effort,” said Jurgensen.

“Matt Henry, who’s been waiting for an opportunity all summer, he’s presented himself beautifully. He attacked the crease, always asked questions. He’s been bowling well in domestic cricket and he’s brought that up to international cricket.

“Wags [Neil Wagner] was probably a bit frustrated yesterday but again just keeps running in and to grab the last few wickets today was really important,” he concluded.