Heinrich Klaasen says that Quinton de Kock has nothing to fear regarding his position in the side. 

Klaasen has been in incredible form for the Proteas. While making his ODI and T20I debut during this India tour, the Titans wicketkeeper batsman played two key innings’ to lead the Proteas to victory.

The first was a 27-ball 43 in the pink-day ODI at the Wanderers which guided South Africa to their only win in a 5-1 drubbing. The second was his 69 off 30 balls in the series-leveling T20I on his home turf.

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Klaasen’s form, especially against spin, has been superb. Something De Kock has struggled to cope with.

Being a wicketkeeper batsman himself, Klaasen disagreed that his own performances had made it difficult for his Titans teammate to make it back into the side.

‘I think he’s a world class player. Our changing room definitely misses him, especially the top of the order. I don’t think he has anything to worry about.’

Klaasen seemed to unlock the secret to playing leg spin and he gave some insight into his execution.

‘I face them quite a lot. Especially when I was playing amateur cricket, there were a couple of quality leggies when I started my career,’ he said.

‘I face Shaun von Berg at the Titans a lot as well. We always made a joke that I needed to end the other leggies careers so he can go up there. Tonight it worked perfectly. I tried to cash in as much as possible.’

ALSO READ:  ‘JP took fear out of my game’

When asked to pick out his favourite knock, Klaasen leant towards Wednesday’s man-of-the-match performance at  Centurion.

‘This one definitely wins’, said Klaasen. ‘It was on my home ground which is something you dream about as a young kid, to play and win a game for your country on your home ground. ‘

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images