SA vs ENG: Quinton de Kock taken for X-ray following thumb injury in 2nd ODI

South Africa suffered a massive blow during the second ODI of the ongoing series against England when prolific wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock left the field after a suspected thumb injury. The swashbuckling opener injured his hand while attempting to catch the ball on the half-volley during the 15th over of the match. He has been taken for an X-ray on his right thumb following his injury.

The Proteas star suffered the unfortunate injury during speedster Anrich Nortje's 15th over when he attempted to collect the ball on the half-volley after England's Harry Brook under-edged his pull shot. The wicketkeeper immediately called for the physio and was marshaled off the field after a lengthy delay. Heinrich Klaasen, who is playing as a specialist batter for the home side, was handed the gloves after de Kock's departure.

The 30-year-old has been taken to a local hospital for an X-Ray of his right thumb, and it is unlikely he will be taking part in South Africa's chase later in the day. Janneman Malan, who came on as a substitute fielder for de Kock, contributed to a wicket after catching Ben Duckett's shot at long-on.

A painful one for Quinton de Kock who has gone for an x-ray on his right thumb after an injury whilst keeping. 😬

England are 88-3 (18.0) #BBCCricket #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/7MKSbYPh1N

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) January 29, 2023

England recover after early wickets

Coming to the match, the home side won the toss and elected to bowl first with their eyes set on a series victory. Their aspirations received a massive boost after English openers Jason Roy and Dawid Malan were dismissed cheaply. However, the young Harry Brook steadied the ship for the visitors, along with his skipper Jos Buttler. 

Brook's dismissal after a brisk 80 off just 75 deliveries provided a glimmer of hope for the Proteas. But the defending champions counterattacked with an explosive partnership between Buttler and Moeen Ali. Both batters went into overdrive, smashing the South African bowlers to all parts of the ground, racing towards a massive total at the Mangaung Oval.

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