South Africa call up de Kock and Morris

Quinton de Kock 

ESPNCricinfo: South Africa have called wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock into their squad for the second Test against England in Cape Town providing a clear indication that AB de Villiers will be relieved of the gloves following the 241-run defeat in Durban. Chris Morris, the quick bowler, has also been brought in to bolster the pace stocks following the injury to Dale Steyn.

De Kock scored a century in the recent round of Sunfoil four-day matches to follow a half-century he made against England for South Africa A in Pietermaritzburg. He played the last of his six Test against Bangladesh, in Chittagong, in July and has an average of 33.00. Stephen Cook, the opening batsman, was another option to bolster the batting after he made an unbeaten 168 for Lions, but was again overlooked with Stiaan van Zyl retained.

De Villiers dropped two catches during England’s second innings of the first Test and gave a TV interview, following speculation over his future, where he said he needed to manage his workload.

“Following our performance and injuries in the first Test, we have recognised the need to bolster the squad,” Linda Zondi, the CSA convener of selectors, said. “This will provide us with more selection options for the second Test match at Newlands.”

Russell Domingo, South Africa’s coach, said on the prospect of de Villiers relinquishing the gloves: “It still needs to be cleared with the selectors but we are looking at that route.”

Hashim Amla, South Africa’s captain, added: “Having AB keep allows us to play an extra batter and he has said he will do it. We’ll see how he feels at the end of today because he has had a heavy workload. Depending on how AB feels, we will decide on Quinton.”

Steyn has been retained in the squad but is unlikely to be fit for the second Test and will undergo a fitness on New Year’s Day in Cape Town. Kagiso Rabada, who was part of the squad for Durban, is his likely replacement but the uncapped Morris offers another option.

South Africa 2nd Test squad: Hashim Amla (Capt), AB de Villiers, Kyle Abbott, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl.