On the third day of second test of CB Test Series, Proteas are sitting well ahead with a lead of 241 after the first innings, De Kock thought. The Proteas team is aware of the hard work ahead against a ‘determined’ Australian line-up as they search for victory. At stumps, Australia are trailing by 120 runs.
In the post match media briefing, wicket-keeper batsman, Quinton De Kock, stressed the importance of breaking the unbeaten 42-run stand between in-form batsmen Usman Khawaja (56 not out) and Steve Smith (18 not out). The South African bowlers look to make inroads in conducive conditions on the fourth day.
The Mr. Consistent De Kock’s Test century was the highlight of the rain-affected third day. The southpaw teamed up with Temba Bavuma (74) in a record 144-run sixth-wicket partnership to give the Proteas upper-hand in the series-deciding encounter.
Speaking about the advantage, De Kock said, today, “We are confident, but it’s not going to be easy.”
On the unbroken partnership between Smith & Khwaja, De Kock added,“The Aussies are batting really well on that wicket. We are going to have to see what happens tomorrow. Usman is batting exceptionally well, he has a good game plan and Steve Smith, as always, is contributing to the team. They are only two wickets down with a lead of 120 or so, there is still a lot of work ahead of us but we are still fairly confident.”
On his century, De Kock said, “As a player, I always take a lot of satisfaction when contributing to the team in any match or any format. I’m happy with what we have achieved but the game has only just gone past half-way, we still have a lot to do. Australia look determined in their second innings, there is a lot to play for, hopefully we can counter that tomorrow.”
He’s often compared with the Australian legend Adam Gilchrist based on his role and impact on the pace of play. Today also, De Kock scored his century off only 139 balls, a fluent innings after the disappointment of failing to convert his two-half centuries in the first Test in Perth.
Speaking about this comparison, he said, “I don’t try to be like him, that is just the way I play. I don’t see myself like him, I just see the ball and hit the ball. I have my own game plans, that’s the way I like to play. Some days I can get off to a good start and keep a good momentum for the team and some days I’m going to have to grind it out. Certain conditions will determine how I play.”
With the pitch conducive to pace bowling, South Africa expect another great outing of its pace battery to wrap this series tomorrow.