Quinton de Kock to retire after World Cup, South Africa, News, Team, Squad, Latest

South Africa coach Rob Walter said on Tuesday that Quinton de Kock had “unfinished business” after announcing the wicketkeeper would be stepping down from one-day international cricket after the World Cup, which starts in India on October 5.

De Kock’s impending retirement was announced at the announcement of South Africa’s 15-man squad in Bloemfontein, where South Africa begin a five-game ODI series against Australia on Thursday.

“Quinny was a great player for South Africa in 50-over cricket,” said Walter, supporting 30-year-old De Kock in ending his ODI career in style.

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De Kock will play in Australia’s Big Bash League in December, which will clash with a one-day series against India.

De Kock, a former captain of all three international formats, retired from Test cricket in 2022.

De Kock remains available for T20 internationals.

Walter said there was “still some ambiguity” regarding De Kock’s availability for a T20I series against India, which will precede the ODI series.

“In the ever-changing world of cricket, there will inevitably be conflict between leagues and international cricket,” said Walter.

“If we are not flexible, we will lose players from the international game.”

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Promising fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, 22, is one of eight players set to compete in a world championship for the first time.

He appeared emotional when his name was announced at a ceremony in his hometown.

“He’s got fire in his stomach,” Walter said.

Fast bowler Sisanda Magala, who wasn’t originally called up in the 18-man squad for the series against Australia, was selected after struggling with a left knee injury.

South Africa has included six fast bowlers in their roster and only two specialized spin bowlers.

“Our strength is fast bowling and we want to have four quality fast bowlers in the park in most situations,” Walter said. “That’s why we decided on particularly fast bowlers.”

South Africa’s first World Cup match will be in Delhi on October 7 against Sri Lanka.

Asked about South Africa’s prospects after a string of setbacks at previous World Cups, captain Temba Bavuma said: “It’s about playing good cricket for five to seven weeks.” South Africa released four players from its original 18- strong squad for the series against Australia – young batsmen Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs, left-armed spin bowler Bjorn Fortuin and injured all-rounder Wayne Parnell.

“People might see this series as a warm-up for the World Cup, but it’s an important series in its own right,” Bavuma said. “Playing against Australia is always special.”

Kader Temba Bavuma (Captain), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussens