Faf du Plessis of South Africa bats during the 1st KFC T20 International match between South Africa and Pakistan at PPC Newlands Stadium on February, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Proteas: Faf Du Plessis still has a lot to offer – De Kock
Former skipper Faf du Plessis can still play a big part for the Proteas as they prepare for the T20 World Cup later this year.
Faf du Plessis of South Africa bats during the 1st KFC T20 International match between South Africa and Pakistan at PPC Newlands Stadium on February, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Proteas T20I skipper Quinton de Kock is happy to have his predecessor Faf du Plessis back in the squad.
De Kock says that du Plessis remains a big part of the Proteas plans as they prepare for the T20 World Cup.
Proteas still need du Plessis
Du Plessis stood down as skipper of the T20I and Test teams earlier this week having already surrendered the ODI captaincy last year.
The former skipper has been one the most consistent batsmen for the Proteas in white-ball cricket. Du Plessis is one of just four Proteas who have struck a T20I century and averages over 35 in the format.
“It’s great to have him back, he is excited about going forward now,” De Kock told reporters after training at the Wanderers on Thursday.
“I haven’t had a talk with him but he still understands that he has a big role to play for us. He is still seen as a leader for all of us, he is one of the more senior members in our team.
“He still has a lot to offer us so I’m sure he is excited to play again for us now.”
The Proteas face Australia in a three-match T20I series that gets underway at the Wanderers on Friday 21 February.
Du Plessis returns to take on an opponent that always seems to bring the best out of the former skipper. Most of his T20I innings have come at number three but he is an option to replace the injured Temba Bavuma as de Kock’s opening partner. Du Plessis has achieved some success opening for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League where his regular partner is Aussie bruiser Shane Watson.
De Kock not feeling tired just yet
Quinton de Kock has been involved in all the international action this summer and has been made the white-ball captain but he says that he doesn’t feel the need for a break just yet.
When asked if he needed some rest, de Kock replied: “No, I think with this captaincy, it’s kept my energy up but in time I will get my chance to sit down. For now there’s a bigger picture in hand for myself.”
T20 Squads
Proteas T20 Squad: Quinton de Kock (captain, wicketkeeper), Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Pite van Biljon, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Jon-Jon Smuts, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje, Dale Steyn, Heinrich Klaasen
Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Proteas vs Australia T20I series
Friday, February 21, 1st T20I – Wanderers, Johannesburg
Sunday, February 23, 2nd T20I – St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth
Wednesday, February 26, 3rd T20I – Newlands, Cape Town
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