De Kock puts Australia controversy behind him

Prescience Media: Quinton de Kock has no interest in reopening old wounds.

With Australia returning to South Africa for the first time since the turbulent 2018 Test series, the memories of that tour have inevitably resurfaced. For de Kock, however, they belong firmly in the past.

The Proteas wicketkeeper batter was part of that series and found himself at the centre of one of its most contentious moments when he clashed with then Australia vice captain David Warner during the opening Test at Kingsmead. De Kock was subsequently fined 25 percent of his match fee and received one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.

Eight years on, Australia are back.

De Kock will face them in the three match ODI series but will not feature in the Tests, having retired from the format three years ago. His attention is instead on helping a relatively young South African side prepare for a demanding contest, with the first ODI taking place at Kingsmead on Heritage Day.

“I think 2018 was a long time ago. I've kind of forgotten all about it,” de Kock told SportsBoom.

There is little doubt that he expects another difficult battle.

“Obviously, I'm playing against the Aussies; it's going to be a tough competition. They've got some really good players in their team.

“Guys who know how to score runs, take wickets and field well, so it's going to be a good competition. It always is. I'm pretty sure it's going to be a tough fight.”

The ODI series also forms part of South Africa's preparations for next year's ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

For de Kock, the tournament will carry an added significance. It will be his fourth World Cup, but his first on home soil.

The prospect of playing in front of family, friends and supporters in South African stadiums is something the 33 year old recognises will bring both expectation and support.

“Playing a World Cup at home, I'm sure there's always going to be a little bit more expectation, especially when you have the country and the fans right on our doorstep now, in our own stadiums,” he said.

“I'm sure coming with that little bit of extra pressure, there'll obviously be a bit more extra support, so that's also going to be nice. I'm pretty sure there'll be a good vibe.

“Normally, when there is some sort of event in South Africa, it's always an amazing event, so I'm pretty sure that'll be quite an amazing occasion, not just for ourselves as the Proteas team, but for the country and for the rest of world cricket.”

The changing make up of the Proteas ODI squad has also altered de Kock's role.

He is now one of the more experienced figures in the group, with injuries to Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi removing two senior players from the current set up. Rassie van der Dussen has also ended his international career.

For coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma, de Kock's experience provides another resource as South Africa build towards the World Cup.

Rather than viewing that responsibility as a burden, de Kock sees it as an opportunity to help the next generation find their feet at international level.

“I'm now surrounded by youngsters in my eyes,” he said.

“I think it's just to lead them going forward, helping with cricket or certain decisions, or if they need any help in whichever way possible, with their own game or game situations or anything.

“Luckily, we've got a year ahead of us to work on things. Even if we have to work on things, I think some of the guys are playing some really good cricket at the moment.”

For de Kock, leadership does not necessarily mean being the loudest voice in the dressing room. His role is to offer experience when it is needed and provide guidance both during matches and away from the field.

“It's just about me showing some leadership on and off the field. That's all that I think I need to do from a leadership point of view.”

The first test of that new responsibility comes against Australia, beginning at Kingsmead before the series moves to Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.

The past may still provide the backdrop, but for de Kock and the Proteas, the focus is firmly on what comes next.

Photo: Alex Davidson