Quinton de Kock Reverses Retirement As South Africa Name New White-Ball Captains

Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has reversed his decision to retire from One-Day Internationals (ODI) and has been picked for the white-ball series against Pakistan and Namibia, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on September 22 (Monday).

De Kock announced his ODI retirement after the World Cup in 2023, but continued to play in the shortest format for the Proteas. However, he has not played for his country since the T20 World Cup final 2024, where his side went down against India. 

"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," Head Coach Shukri Conrad said. 

Since then, he has been playing in T20 leagues around the world, most recently in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

His return is not the only surprise in the squads. Matthew Breetzke, who has made a stunning start, will lead South Africa in the ODI series against Pakistan, while Donovan Ferreira will lead the side in the one-off T20I against Namibia in Windhoek on October 11.

“Matthew has really come into his own in the 50-over space and has led SA A and the Warriors in this format before, and I have no doubt he’ll captain the ODI side with that same character and composure which he brings to his game," Conrad further added.

“During the T20I series against England, I was impressed by Donovan’s maturity, his understanding of the game, and the way he connects with the younger players in the squad. His appointment as captain for the T20I against Namibia presents an exciting challenge, one that I believe will only enhance his development as a cricketer.”

While Breetzke has 467 runs in six ODI innings, Ferreira has played just eight T20Is for South Africa in which he has scored 127 runs at a strike rate of 176.38.

Moreover, South Africa will begin their World Test Championship (WTC) defence against Pakistan without their regular skipper, Temba Bavuma, as he continues to recover from a calf strain. Aiden Markram will lead the side in his absence. 

“Temba’s calf strain will unfortunately keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for the India tour in November," Convenor of Selectors, Patrick Moroney, said. 

Simon Harmer also returns to the Test side for the first time since March 2023, while Keshav Maharaj has been made available only for the second Test. David Miller will lead South Africa in the T20I leg of the tour.

“Getting our World Test Championship defence underway in Pakistan is an exciting moment for this group. It marks the beginning of another important cycle, and the white-ball leg of the tour also presents valuable opportunities to build depth and test ourselves against quality opposition as we continue shaping squads for the T20 and 50-over World Cups," Moroney said.

“We have had to contend with a number of injuries in recent months, and it has been important for the medical and management teams to work closely together to ensure we continue to field the strongest possible squads. While injuries are never ideal, they also create opportunities for other players to step up, which is an important part of building that depth across all formats."

South Africa will get the Test series against Pakistan underway from October 12 in Lahore, and the tour will end with the third and final ODI in Faisalabad on November 8.

South Africa Test squad against Pakistan: Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj*, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kyle Verreynne.

*Second Test only

South Africa T20I squad against Pakistan: 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-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane, and Lizaad Williams.

South Africa ODI squad against Pakistan: 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-dré Pretorius, and Sinethemba Qeshile.

South Africa T20I squad against Namibia: Donovan Ferreira (c), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, and Lizaad Williams.