Quinton De Kock Opens Up On Forgotten 2018 Australia Controversy

Proteas wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock says he has forgotten about the controversial 2018 Test series against Australia and is focused on sharing his knowledge and experience with what is a young Proteas ODI squad for the three-match series.

I’ve Forgotten All About It

With Australia returning to South Africa for three One Day Internationals and as many Test matches, the events of the 2018 Test series have taken centre stage given that Australia will play Test cricket in South Africa for the first time since the infamous series.

Quinton de Kock has been included in the South Africa ODI squad, and will not take part in the Test series as he retired from the format three years ago. 

However, the 33-year-old was involved in the 2018 Test series, and in one instance, was at the centre of the many controversies that unfolded during that series.

His altercation with then Australia vice-captain David Warner during the first Test at Kingsmead saw him get one demerit point and be fined 25% of his match fee for breaching an ICC code of conduct for bringing the game into disrepute.

De Kock has faced Australia multiple times since that series and has told SportsBoom in an exclusive interview that he has forgotten about that series.

The 33-year-old is expecting Australia to be a serious challenge for South Africa in the upcoming ODI series, which is set to get underway at Kingsmead on Heritage Day.

“I think 2018 was a long time ago. I've kind of forgotten all about it,” de Kock told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interaction. 

“Obviously, I'm playing against the Aussies; it's going to be a tough competition. They've got some really good players in their team." 

“Guys who know how to score runs, take wickets and field well, so it's going to be a good competition. It always is. I'm pretty sure it's going to be a tough fight.”

Home World Cup

With De Kock part of the ODI squad, he is also part of coach Shukri Conrad’s plans for next year’s ICC World Cup, which South Africa will host alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia.

It will be De Kock’s fourth World Cup but his first at home, a feat that he believes will be special as he will get to play World Cup cricket in front of home fans, friends and family.

“Playing a World Cup at home, I'm sure there's always going to be a little bit more expectation, especially when you have the country and the fans right on our doorstep now, in our own stadiums,” said de Kock.  

“I’m sure coming with that little bit of extra pressure, there'll obviously be a bit more extra support, so that's also going to be nice. I’m pretty sure there'll be a good vibe." 

“Normally, when there is some sort of event in South Africa, it's always an amazing event, so I'm pretty sure that'll be quite an amazing occasion, not just for ourselves as the Proteas team, but for the country and for the rest of world cricket.”

Leading From The Front

De Kock is currently one of the few senior players in South Africa’s ODI squad, making him an important cog for coach Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma to help guide the squad in the series.

The Proteas have a young squad given that senior players Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are sidelined due to injuries, while the likes of Rassie van der Dussen have called time on their international careers.

De Kock has told SportsBoom that he embraces the challenge of guiding youngsters and sharing his knowledge and experience as South Africa build towards the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

“I’m now surrounded by youngsters in my eyes. I think it's just to lead them going forward, helping with cricket or certain decisions, or if they need any help in whichever way possible, with their own game or game situations or anything,” de Kock added. 

“Luckily, we've got a year ahead of us to work on things. Even if we have to work on things, I think some of the guys are playing some really good cricket at the moment." 

“It's just about me showing some leadership on and off the field. That's all that I think I need to do from a leadership point of view.”

South Africa will play Australia in three ODIs in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom, respectively, with the first game set to get underway on Thursday at Kingsmead Stadium.