South Africa stumper Quinton de Kock has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against Pakistan with a groin injury. He has been replaced in the squad by 22-year-old Cape Cobras batsman Janneman Malan.
De Kock sustained the injury during the series-deciding fifth ODI against Pakistan at Newlands, where he top-scored with a 58-ball 83 in South Africa’s seven-wicket victory. De Kock wasn’t picked to play Friday’s (February 1) first T20I at the same venue with Gihahn Cloete taking the gloves in his place.
De Kock will need a period of rest followed by rehabilitation to completely shrug off the injury, forcing the selectors’ hand to leave him out of the series.
“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,” team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee explained.
His replacement, Malan, has a T20 hundred to his name and averages 32.21 in the 24 T20 games he’s played. Malan recently scored 67 and 168 in two innings of a first class game against Warriors at Port Elizabeth.
“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,” Selection Convener Linda Zondi said.
