Quinton de Kock announces retirement from Test cricket

In what comes as big news, South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has announced his retirement from the longest format of the game. The fact that he’s just 29 makes it even more shocking. However, the keeper-batter has said that he took this decision because he wants to spend more time with his family.

It is to be noted that the Proteas star was supposed to miss the second and third Test of the ongoing three-match Test series against India at home, as he was on paternity leave. In a statement issued by Cricket South Africa, he explained his reasons for retiring from Tests in detail.

QDK went on to say that he does love Test cricket, as well as loves representing his nation. However, he did say that as he and his wife are expecting their first child and thus, he wanted to spend time with them. The Proteas star also mentioned the fact that he will still be available for the shorter formats of the game.

“I have taken a lot of time to think about what my future looks like and what needs to take priority in my life now that Sasha and I are about to welcome our first child into this world and look to grow our family beyond that. My family is everything to me and I want to have the time and space to be able to be with them during this new and exciting chapter of our lives,” read de Kock’s statement.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of my Test cricket journey from the very beginning. To my coaches, teammates, the various management teams, and my family and friends – I couldn’t have shown up as I did without your support.

This is not the end of my career as a Protea, I’m fully committed to white-ball cricket and representing my country to the best of my ability for the foreseeable future,” he added. The keeper scored 34 and 21 in the two innings against India in the first Test. His retirement will definitely dent the chances of the hosts to win the ongoing series against the Kohli-led side.