“Quinny’s Army! Quinny’s Army! Quinny’s Army Army!” If the guys who make up Hashim’s Army at Newlands want another act, they should emulate a boy band look and pay homage to Quinton de Kock at Newlands over the next few days.
The Proteas left-hander underlined what a serious talent he is with bat in hand on Tuesday (having started on Monday afternoon) in reaching his third Test hundred during the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Forget the obvious comparisons with legendary Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist, who used to destroy attacks late in the day, especially when the second new ball comes around.
De Kock, for me, is a bit different. He is certainly more stylish. The way he is able to manipulate the ball around the field with those quick hands is something to behold. The 24-year-old has removed that “loose” element from his game that he used to have when he first arrived on the international scene.
He has realised his worth, and the damage that he can cause the opposition, the longer he stays at the crease. With the Proteas teetering on 169/5 following Temba Bavuma’s departure for 10 on Monday afternoon, Sri Lanka were right on top after winning the toss under grey skies and with a greenish pitch to bowl on.
But it was De Kock – along with fellow centurion Dean Elgar – who showed their teammates the way with a vital 103-run partnership. The Proteas wicket-keeper provided the impetus with his quick scoring, reaching his 50 off 61 balls and ending the day unbeaten on 68 in no time.
De Kock came out on day two in similar fashion, using his bat like a sword to scythe through a willing Sri Lankan bowling attack to get to 101.
He is comfortable driving on the up through the offside, straight down the ground and flicking off his legs.
Maybe the visitors could’ve used the short ball a bit more to mix things up, but they didn’t and were duly punished.
It was no surprise that Elgar called him a “freak” after Monday’s play for the manner in which De Kock took the game away from the Sri Lankans. His ability to read the match situation and play accordingly has become more consistent, while he is also able to be productive while batting with the tail.
The time has come for the dashing strokeplayer to get his own army. Guys with boyish looks, messy hair, biting their nails…