Quinton de Kock makes early return from injury

Quinton de Kock may play the last ODI against West Indies

South African Wicket keeper batsman Quinton de Kock could make an early return from his injury and play in the final One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies in the Centurion next week.

Russell Domingo, Proteas coach confirmed that the opening batsman was ahead of schedule with recovery. De Kock, who has scored six ODI hundreds rolled over his ankle and picked up injury during the third day of the First Test against West Indies last December.

“Depending on the medical committee, if they're okay with Quinton de Kock playing the last game [he'll play]," said Domingo. “So that's a possibility for us, and hopefully we can get him back into international cricket next Wednesday. He will join us on Friday [in Port Elizabeth], and train with us for the next few days and hopefully we'll have him ready for next Wednesday in Pretoria.”

Rapid return to fitness and possible changes in the squad

De Kock was initially set to return during World Cup starting in mid-February, but made a rapid return to full fitness. During his absence, Rilee Rossouw had joined Hashim Amla in opening the batting and scored his maiden ODI hundred in the second match of the series at the Wanderers. With the series in the bag already, the Proteas Coach may plan to rest some of his star players and utilise the full squad.

"It's highly unlikely that AB de Villiers is going to keep [wicket] the next two games. My plan would be for Morne van Wyk to keep the next game. We'll send Hashim home today, and he will join us for the last ODI in Pretoria. I will in all likelihood give AB a rest in the last ODI, but play him on Sunday in Port Elizabeth." said Domingo.

He concluded by saying,

“We want to play everybody that's in the squad. We'll use these next two games as an opportunity for some of the fringe players to stake a claim. We've been under pressure all year. Whether we're under pressure now or six months ago doesn't matter too much to us. We were under pressure in Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.”