South Africa suffered a big blow just ahead of the third Test as their wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock is ruled out from the third Test against England which started on Thursday at Johannesburg.
The South African team manager Dr. Mohammed Moosajee revealed, “Quinton slipped and sprained his right knee at home late yesterday afternoon. Initially, he didn’t think it was too serious but woke up after midnight in pain and with a swollen knee. He will have investigations done later today to ascertain the extent of the injury.”
De Kock returned to the Test squad during this series after six months. He scored only 5 runs and took three catches in the second Test of this series. The 23-years old wicketkeeper-batsman has represented in seven Tests for his country.
Meanwhile, Dane Vilas replaced de Kock for this Test. Vilas played in the tour of India where he disappointed the selectors. But he is recalled for this Test due after he recently scored a career-best 216 runs in the domestic cricket.
The 30-years old wicketkeeper-batsman Vilas had to be flown in the ground from Port Elizabeth on the morning on the first day of this Test match. The journey is around 1,000 km (620 miles) which takes almost 95 minutes. He arrived late at the ground as the third Test already started. After winning the toss, the South African skipper decided to bat first.
Earlier, pacer Dale Steyn had ruled out for the third Test due to his shoulder injury.
The visitors England are currently leading the four-match Test series 1-0. South Africa lost the first Test at Durban by 241 runs while the second Test was drawn at Cape Town.