South African wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is of the three-match series against Pakistan with a groin injury on Friday (1st February).
He picked up the injury during South Africa's seven-wicket victory against Pakistan in the series-deciding fifth One Day International at Newlands, where he cracked a match-winning knock of a 58-ball 83 in Cape Town.
The injury forced him to miss out on Friday's (February 1) first T20 International at the same venue where Gihahn Cloete taking the gloves in his place, which they won by 6 runs against Pakistan.
Following the match in Cape Town, South African Team Manager Dr. Mohammed Moosajee has confirmed that De Kock would not be able to play in the rest of the T20Is against Pakistan, as he will need a period of rest followed by rehabilitation to completely shrug off the injury.
Moosajee told media, “Quinton sustained an injury to his left groin while fielding during the last ODI on Wednesday. He will be unable to take part in the T20I series against Pakistan and we are hopeful he will be fit for selection for the Test series against Sri Lanka starting in Durban on February 13th.”
Meanwhile, SA Selection Convener Linda Zondi has named uncapped Janneman Malan as a replacement for the injured Kock for the rest of the T20Is against Pakistan.
The 22-year-old Cape Cobras batsman has played 24 T20 games and scored 779 runs including a century at 32.21. The right-hander is currently in fine form with the willow having scored 67 and 168 recently in two innings of a First-class game against Warriors at Port Elizabeth.
Zondi said, “Janneman was one of the standout players during the Mzansi Super League and has been putting in the runs consistently at franchise level. He is an exciting young prospect, this is a great opportunity for us to continue blooding players at international level.”
The second T20I will be played at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday (February 3) where the youngster could get his chance to make his international debut for South Africa.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
