Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman and ODI captain Quinton de Kock says his appointment will not distract him at all from the importance of the fourth and final Test match against England starting this Friday at the Imperial Wanderers.
The visitors lead the four-match series 2-1 following crushing defeats in Cape Town and in Port Elizabeth.
De Kock, who has been groomed to take over the leadership responsibilities from Faf du Plessis, says he is only focused on helping South Africa achieve a positive result at the moment.
The Proteas will be without fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who will be serving his one Test match ban, handed by the ICC following his accumulation of demerit points.
The Mark Boucher coached side is also expected to make a couple of changes to the starting 11 with the likes of Temba Bavuma knocking on the door. De Kock stresses the importance of victory in this Test for the Proteas.
The 28-year-old De Kock says he has learnt a lot about captaincy from Du Plessis over the last couple of years.
Having only previously captained the Proteas in two ODIs in Sri Lanka and most recently in two T20s in India, De Kock says he already has a clear understanding of the style of cricket he would like his team to play.
The former SA U19 star says being street smart is one of the things players need to have on the field. – Report by Thando Gqamane
