South African wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock on Tuesday announced retirement from the ODIs after the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Quinton de Kock is widely considered to be one of the premier stroke-hitters in the present day. The left-handed batsman has amassed 5966 runs at an impressive average of 44.86 runs per match in 140 One Day Internationals with a strike rate of over 96.
The prolific batsman, who also played as a white-ball opener for South Africa, has 17 centuries to his credit in ODI cricket. De Kock forced the cricketing world to sit up and take notice when he became only the fourth fastest batsman to score 1000 runs (21 innings) in ODIs. He achieved his career-high score of 178 against Australia at Centurion in 2016, and captained the side in the 2020-21 season.
The southpaw retired from Test in 2021, citing family reasons. However, no such statements came from him this time. “We understand his decision to step back from ODI cricket and we want to thank him for his service over the years,” South Africa’s director of cricket Enoch Nkwe said.
“Quinton de Kock has been a really good servant to South African cricket. We wish him well for the future but still look forward to seeing him represent the Proteas in T20 cricket.”
“He set the benchmark with his attacking batting style and was a key member of the squad for a number of years. He also wore the captain’s armband and that is an honour that very few people get to hold,” he said.
Also Read: World Cup 2023 Squads: India, South Africa annouce World Cup squads
The 30-year-old De Kock was unavailable for the T20I series against Australia which South Africa lost 3-0. The opener is expected to take part in the five ODIs that will commence on September 7. His last involvement in Major League Cricket was in July, when he played for the semi-finalist Seattle Orcas.
De Kock will be crucial to South Africa’s quest to win their maiden ODI World Cup. The Proteas have named a young squad with only seven players with past World Cup experience led by Tenba Bavuma.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (Captain), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaja, David Miller, Lung Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tarbaiz Shamsi, Rassie Van Der Dussen
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