Quinton will have a point to prove: Bavuma

The dashing left-handed batter-wicketkeeper had announced his retirement from the longest format of the game after the first Test of the series which India won, saying he wants to spend more time with his growing family

South Africa’s white-ball captain Temba Bavuma on Tuesday said Quinton de Kock, after his sudden retirement from Test cricket, will have a point to prove in the three-match ODI series against India.

The series start here today. “It is good to see Quinny again. We obviously miss him in the Test team. He has made his decision [to quit] and it is a decision that we respect. 

“Having Quinny again within team is good. Knowing Quinny, he will have a point to prove,” Bavuma said during a virtual press conference. “I am sure he is also as excited as we are, to be in the team,” added Bavuma in response to a question on how was it like to have de Kock back in the team after the drama surrounding his retirement from Tests in the middle of the series against India.

The dashing left-handed batter-wicketkeeper had announced his retirement from the longest format of the game after the first Test of the series which India won, saying he wants to spend more time with his growing family.

During last year’s T20 World Cup, when Cricket South Africa (CSA) mandated players to take the knee, de Kock initially refused and missed the game against West Indies as a result. He subsequently apologised and has taken the knee since.

As the focus shifted to the ODI series against India, Bavuma said they are up against a strong side but ready for the challenge. “In terms of India, it is a strong white ball team. The ODI squad they put out...we will give the respect they deserve like we do to any other team. We know it is going to be tough considering the Test series.

“Yeah, we have been preparing as well as we can to be ready for the challenge that comes up,” Bavuma said.

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