South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock has been cleared to play the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton despite suffering tendon damage in his right index finger, reported ESPNcricinfo. The 24-year-old, though, would need another four-to-six weeks to completely recover and may miss out on playing in the Indian Premier League.
De Kock has been one of his side’s standout performers over the last year. During the Wellington Test, which the Proteas won, the left-hander slammed a belligerent 91 in the first innings to set the tone for his side’s eight-wicket victory.
South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis hailed De Kock’s influence in his side: “It’s a big game. Quinton is someone who you don’t just replace. From my side, I am trying to have Quinton in my team all the time. He has had problems with his fingers for quite a while. It’s part of being a keeper. It’s never nice to catch balls on the fingertips all the time and it’s been painful for him for a while. Maybe the cold New Zealand conditions make it worse. It’s hurting for him a bit more now but because it’s a big game, resting him for someone else is not an option,” he added.
Hosts New Zealand, meanwhile, are dealing with an injury crisis of sorts with star pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult ruled out of the decider. South Africa lead the series 1-0.