Quinton de Kock Retires from Test Cricket with Immediate Effect

Proteas wicketkeeper batsman Quinton de Kock has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. 

The announcement by 29-year-old de Kock comes after the Proteas’ loss by 113 runs to India in the first test in Centurion, taking a one-nil lead in the three-match series.

De Kock has cited his intentions to spend more time with his family for the timing and reason for his relatively early retirement from the five-day format.  

“This is not a decision that I have come to very easily. I love Test cricket and I love representing my country and all that it comes with. I’ve enjoyed the ups and the downs, the celebrations and even the disappointments, but now I’ve found something that I love even more.

De Kock said he will still be representing the Proteas in the shorter format of the game. 

“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.”

Cricket South Africa (CSA) Acting CEO, Pholetsi Moseki congratulated De Kock on an exemplary career.

 “It’s sad to lose a player of Quinton’s calibre at what we still see as the prime of his career and relatively young life. He has been a loyal and proud servant of the Proteas team for the last seven years and we are glad that we have not lost him from the game entirely.

De Kock made his Proteas Test debut against Australia in Gqeberha in 2014. 

In 54 matches, he amassed 3 300 runs with a high score of 141 not-out, at an average of 38.82 and strike rate of 70.93 – He also has six centuries and 22 half-centuries under his belt.