Quinton de Kock was sent off to the South African A team to regain his form: Three centuries in three innings says something.
The latest came in the unofficial Test against India A on Wednesday. Resuming play at 297-4, the day was just seven overs old when Temba Bavuma was dismissed for 66. De Kock saw this an opportunity to accelerate the innings. His hundred came off 102 balls, with 13 fours and three sixes.
Woefully out of form throughout the World Cup and the Bangladesh tour with the Proteas, De Kock answered his critics with two centuries in the triangular ODI series, both coming against India A in very trying circumstances, playing one match weakened with food poisoning which had ravaged the team. His achievements, though, were largely overshadowed by the fact the Proteas lost both matches.
On Wednesday, South Africa batted on after De Kock’s dismissal, with Dane Vilas also getting in on the act, adding 75 off 74 balls (10×4, 2×6) and propelling South Africa to a score of 547 all out.
India A began well enough, putting on 43 for the first wicket, when off-break spinner Dane Piedt struck twice to dismiss both openers, leaving the hosts at 88-2. Wayne Parnell came back into the attack to bowl Shreyas Iyer one run short of his fifty.
India A closed the day two on 122-3.
