Quinton de Kock reverses his ODI retirement; South Africa announces white-ball squad for Pakistan series

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In a significant development for South African cricket, Quinton de Kock has reversed his retirement from ODI cricket and has been named in both the T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming tour of Pakistan. This will mark his return to the national team after his retirement from the 50-over format following the 2023 World Cup. The Proteas will also play a one-off T20I against Namibia to inaugurate their new cricket stadium. The squads for these tours were announced with several key players being rested.

De Kock’s decision to return to ODI cricket comes as a major boost for the Proteas. De Kock, who last played for South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in June last year, has committed to representing his country again in the white-ball formats. As per ESPNcricinfo, Head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed the news, stating, “Quinton’s return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us. When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear that he still has a strong ambition to represent his country. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team,”

With several all-format players being rested for the white-ball leg of the Pakistan tour, new captains have been appointed for each series. David Miller will lead the T20I squad, while Matthew Breetzke will take the reins of the ODI side. Additionally, Donovan Ferreira will captain the makeshift squad for the one-off T20I against Namibia, which will be the first-ever limited-overs international match between the two nations. The squad for this match also includes other notable names like Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, and Reeza Hendricks.

The squads for the white-ball series against Pakistan and the T20I against Namibia feature a mix of experienced players and new faces. In addition to de Kock, the ODI squad sees the recall of left-arm spinners George Linde and Bjorn Fortuin, as well as the inclusion of Ferreira, who has also been given a maiden call-up to the ODI team. Wicketkeeper Sinethemba Qeshile and Rivaldo Moonsamy also received maiden call-ups for the ODI and Namibia T20I squads, respectively.

However, some notable players are absent from the squads. Star leg-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and pacer Anrich Nortje, who both opted out of national contracts, have not been included. The tour of Pakistan, which also includes two Test matches, will begin on October 12. The T20I series will run from October 28 to November 1, followed by the ODI series from November 4 to 8. The one-off T20I against Namibia will take place on October 11 to inaugurate their new stadium in Windhoek, a venue for the ODI World Cup 2027.

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David Miller (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams

Matthew Breetzke (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile

Donovan Ferreira (c), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams

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