Titans duo added to Proteas squad

Quinton de Kock and Chris Morris have been added to the Proteas squad for the second Test against England at Newlands.

The Proteas have made an immediate move to try and arrest their current slump as Quinton de Kock and Chris Morris have been added to the squad for Saturday’s second Test against England at Newlands.

South Africa were smashed by 241 runs by the visitors at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday morning, with AB de Villiers out just three balls into the day as Moeen Ali got the ball to turn sharply from around the wicket.

A puff of dust ensured that it stayed low as well, and De Villiers was given out lbw.

He referred the decision to the TV umpire, but the replay showed that the ball would’ve hit leg-stump. The Proteas fell apart quickly, losing their remaining six wickets for just 38 runs on Wednesday.

Scoring runs was South Africa’s major problem at Kingsmead and in the four-Test series in India too, and it is hoped that De Kock’s selection at Newlands would free up De Villiers to concentrate on his batting without having to worry about wicket-keeping duties.

De Kock is also in top form with the bat, having scored 117 for the Titans in the Sunfoil Series this week.

Tall right-arm paceman Morris surprisingly contributed with the bat for the same franchise against the Cape Cobras, hitting 86. But with Dale Steyn possibly missing out on the Newlands Test due to a shoulder injury, Kagiso Rabada may start, with Morris the back-up fast bowler.

However, Morris took just three wickets for the Titans in what was his only match in the Sunfoil Series this season. Someone like Lions quickie Hardus Viljoen is unlucky to be overlooked as he has taken 20 wickets in two games.

“Following our performance and injuries in the first Test, we have recognised the need to bolster the squad,” Proteas selection convenor Linda Zondi said in a statement on Wednesday. “This will provide us with more selection options for the second Test match at Newlands.”

Lions opener Stephen Cook was not included, though, after stroking 168 not out against the Warriors this week. That means Stiaan van Zyl is likely to get another opportunity at the top of the order at Newlands.

Proteas Test Squad:

Hashim Amla (captain), AB de Villiers (vice-captain), Kyle Abbott, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Morné Morkel, Chris Morris, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl.

ashfak.mohamed@inl.co.za

@IndyCapeSport