IND vs SA: Quinton De Kock To Miss Second And Third India Tests On Paternity Leave

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock will be missing out on being in South Africa’s playing XI for the second and the third Test against India. The cricketer and his wife are expecting the birth of their child and thus, Cricket South Africa has granted De Kock a paternity leave.

Given the experience of De Kock in playing big games and crunch situations, this will be a huge loss for South Africa. They have two possible replacements in their ranks in the form of Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton. Both have a combined experience of just two Tests and this will certainly test South Africa’s lower order in De Kock’s absence.

India in the driver’s seat in the Boxing Day Test

India had won Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test by being 273/3 at Stumps. With Day 2 being washed out due to rain, all eyes were on how the visitors would approach their innings on the third day. However, South Africa made a strong comeback into the Test.

From 272/3, India collapsed by losing their last seven wickets for 55 runs in the morning session. South African pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi were simply sensational with their line and length and Marco Jansen also ended up picking his debut Test wicket.

South Africa needed a good start from their openers, but lost skipper Dean Elgar in the very first over. South Africa just kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and despite a fine partnership between Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock, find themselves reeling at the time of writing. India will be keen on taking the remaining three wickets quickly to take a huge first-innings lead.

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