Cricket World Cup 2015: Quinton de Kock worth persisting with for South Africa

WITH 27 runs from four innings, World Cup spectators have not seen the best of Quinton de Kock. Yet here’s why South Africa should stick with him.

South Africa's Quinton de Kock is out caught by Andre Russell off the bowling of Jason Holder during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup cricket match between South Africa and the West Indies at the SCG. Pic Brett Costello

WITH 27 runs from four innings, World Cup spectators have not seen the best of South Africa’s Quinton de Kock.

In full flight, de Kock hits the ball as cleanly as anyone in world cricket but it seems an age since the 22-year-old was in top rhythm.

Against Zimbabwe and India he was caught in the inner circle, driving without real intent. Against the West Indies he cut a short delivery straight into the hands of point. Against Ireland he edged a good but not unplayable delivery to the keeper. All shots of a man short on confidence and unsure of his game.

Ireland's wicketkeeper Gary Wilson (L) and teammate Paul Stirling (2nd L) celebrate as South Africa's Quinton de Kock is dismissed.

While this run of form is far from ideal for the team, South Africa is likely to persevere with de Kock for a number of reasons. For one, he is a fine keeper, freeing the destructive AB De Villiers of the gloves. Just as importantly he is a fine batsman in his own respect.

The young South African has already amassed six centuries and four fifties in 39 ODI innings. Comparatively, Steve Smith has scored three centuries in 40 innings and averages almost six runs (34) less than the South African (39.78) and de Kock has only just turned 22; at the same age, Michael Clarke’s high score was 75.

When discussing Wayne Parnell’s place in the South African team, Faf du Plessis had this to say: “We want match-winners as part of our team because they blow games open.”

The same can be said for de Kock, as South Africa have only lost once when he has scored more than 50 (seven wins, one loss, two no results).

While de Kock is experiencing a lean spell, he has a tendency to bounce back from poor patches with big scores.

Quinton de Kock’s wicketkeeping has kept the gloves away from top batsman AB de Villiers.

After a poor series against Sri Lanka (55 runs at 18.33), de Kock scored his first ODI century during an away series against Pakistan, scoring a gritty 112 and averaging 62 over the three matches. After his form dropped during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa (81 runs at 27), de Kock bounced back to become the first player to ever score three successive ODI centuries, running riot against India. In doing so, he also became just the second-ever player to score four centuries before his 21st birthday.

In short, de Kock is worth the risk for South Africa.

The keeper-batsman has already proved that he is comfortable playing in Australia and New Zealand, scoring a century in Sydney and averaging 57.5 during the 2014 tour of New Zealand. With the team currently cruising through the group stages South Africa can be patient with the 22-year-old, knowing that if he finds form the World Cup is theirs to lose.

Originally published as Cricket World Cup 2015: Quinton de Kock worth persisting with for South Africa