SA vs IND: Quinton de Kock set to miss second and third Test

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock is set to miss the second and third Test of the three-match series against India. He and his wife are expecting birth of a baby and De Kock will be on a paternity leave during this period. He is currently the part of the ongoing Boxing Day Test in Centurion and fared decently with the bat scoring 34 after coming out to bat at 32/4.

Earlier, it was reported that De Kock might at least miss the third Test but a commentator confirmed that he will miss the last two matches of the series during the third day’s play in Centurion. The New Year Test between South Africa and India will be played in Johannesburg from January while the final Test will commence on January 11 in Cape Town.

South Africa have two more wicketkeepers, Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton, in the squad and it remains to be seen who gets an opportunity. Having said that, De Kock not playing will be a huge blow for the side as his experience will be missed.

His possible replacements don’t have much experience of playing in the longest format of the game. Verreynne has played only in two Test matches so far while Ryan Rickelton is yet to make his international debut.

India dominating the Boxing Day Test

As far as the ongoing Test match is concerned, India managed to post 327 runs in the first innings thanks to a scintillating ton from KL Rahul. The visitors would’ve hoped to cross the 400-run mark but Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada triggered a collapse on Day three as India lost their last seven wickets for just 55 runs in the first session.

However, South Africa batters found it tough in response as they were left reeling at 32/4 at one stage. India’s pace trio of Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj didn’t let the batters off the hook at all and picked up wickets with the new ball. However, a partnership between De Kock and Temba Bavuma helped the home side recover a bit.