CAPE TOWN – Quinton de Kock’s “good cricket brain” is the reason why he has been handed the captaincy of the Proteas for the last two ODIs, says coach Ottis Gibson.
De Kock was a surprise choice on Tuesday ahead of the more experienced JP Duminy, who will take charge for the lone T20 International at the end of the tour.
Regular skipper Faf du Plessis was injured when he dived for a catch in the third ODI in Kandy on Sunday, which resulted in De Kock running the show for the rest of the innings.
The Proteas wrapped up the series 3-0 with a 78-run win, and will look to increase it to 4-0 on Wednesday, again at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy (11am SA time).
“I have always found Quinton to have a good cricket brain, he understands the game,” Gibson said in Kandy on Tuesday.
“With Faf injured, it seems like a good opportunity and chance for him to show that side of his game as a leader for the next two games.
“He is someone who understands the game, he is constantly helping the captain on the field. He shows good leadership on the field, even as a normal player.”
Apart from Duminy, another leadership candidate is Aiden Markram, but he was left out of the last game after a lean run on the tour.
“It is about trying to grow the team and growing the leaders within the team. Aiden captained against India and he is not currently in the team, he has had some struggles on this Sri Lanka tour so far,” Gibson added.
“We thought we would have a look at Quinton for the next two games, which will give Aiden time to settle himself.
“He is a fine player and we are confident he will find form, and there will be other opportunities for us to continue to grow that side of his leadership.”
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