Quinton de Kock ruled out of the 3rd Test after freak injury, replacement Dane Vilas races against time
Drama struck South African again after their wicketkeeper-batsman, Quinton de Kock, has been ruled out of the third Test against England. The Test is starting at the Wanderers on January 14. He was all set to start the match before getting injured last night at his home.
De Kock sustained a freak injury to his right knee on January 13 evening after he slipped and sprained his right knee at home. He will be replaced by Dane Vilas in the starting XI, who was hurriedly sent on a flight to Johannesburg.
The Proteas team manager, Mohammed Moosajee said, “Quinton slipped and sprained his right knee at home late yesterday afternoon. Initially, he didn’t think it was too serious but woke up after midnight in pain and with a swollen knee. He will have investigations done later today to ascertain the extent of the injury.”
Vilas was hurriedly sent on route to Johannesburg from Port Elizabeth, after he was supposed to be playing a Sunfoil Series four-day match for the Cape Cobras against the Warriors.
Curious situation on Thursday morning
After De Kock was ruled out of the starting line-up, there was a curious situation unfolding. With Vilas still on his flight with minutes to go before the match started, AB de Villiers was supposed to take the gloves if he had not reached in time if South Africa fielded first.
However, that was not required as South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first.
The 30-year-old is coming off a career-best knock of 216 not out in last week’s round of Sunfoil Series matches. Vilas has played five test matches for the Proteas and his last Test was against India last month.
The Proteas comprehensively lost the first Test at Durban. After a superb fight-back they had drawn the second Test at Cape Town, South African captain Hashim Amla stepped down from the captain’s position. The Proteas are fighting to keep their number one Test ranking intact. If they lose the series against England they will lose the number one spot. The Proteas are trailing the series 1-0.
The South African team will contest the match without the services of their premium fast-bowling duo of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, who are both out with injury.