De Kock to open for Proteas

In a surprise move, wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock will open the batting for the Proteas in the second Test against New Zealand in Centurion.

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In a surprise move, wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock will open the batting for the Proteas in the second Test against New Zealand in Centurion.

De Kock will partner Stephen Cook at the top of the order following an unfortunate incident during practice on Friday, where regular opener Dean Elgar went over his ankle and has now been ruled out.

Proteas captain Faf du Plessis announced at the toss that Stiaan van Zyl will replace Elgar in the team, but wouldn't go to the top of the order.

Van Zyl struggled as an opener in Test cricket previously, but will now come out to bat in the more favourable No 7 position, with the unlikely figure of De Kock facing the new ball.

The left-hander is a naturally attacking batsman, and with the pitch at Centurion expected to be a bit slow and low, De Kock could get the Proteas off to a flying start and in that way, take the shine off the new ball.

The Proteas are seemingly looking to set the pace in the one-off series decider after most of the first Test was rained off at Kingsmead last week, and De Kock can set the tone for South Africa, although it is probably a stop-gap measure just for this Test.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and chose to bowl first, so De Kock's aptitude to open the batting will be tested immediately.

The rest of the team is unchanged, and play will start at 10am on Saturday.

Teams For Centurion

South Africa: Stephen Cook, Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis (captain), Temba Bavuma, Stiaan van Zyl, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Dane Piedt.

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (captain), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.

ashfak.mohamed@inl.co.za

@ashfakmohamed - Independent Media