Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

De Kock retires from Test cricket hours after India loss

De Kock retires from Test cricket hours after India loss

SOUTH AFRICAN wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect.

The shock announcement from De Kock, 29, on Thursday (30) came just hours after he was part of the South African team beaten by 113 runs in the first Test against India at SuperSport Park.


De Kock said he remained committed to playing international limited-overs cricket.

Twice named as South African Cricketer of the Year, De Kock said in a statement that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

It had already been announced he would miss the second and third Tests against India because his wife, Sasha, is about to give birth to the couple’s first child.

De Kock was embroiled in controversy during the T20 World Cup in October when he refused an order from Cricket South Africa to take the knee in support of Black Lives Matter.

The order came shortly before a match against the West Indies and it was initially announced that De Kock had withdrawn from the match for personal reasons.

After a meeting with cricket South Africa officials, De Kock apologised and committed to the gesture for future matches although in making his apology he said he had felt his "rights were taken away" in the way the order was conveyed.

He made no mention of the incident in his retirement statement.

"This is not a decision that I have come to very easily. I have taken a lot of time to think about what my future looks like and what needs to take priority in my life now that Sasha and I are about to welcome our first child into this world and look to grow our family beyond that.

"My family is everything to me and I want to have the time and space to be able to be with them during this new and exciting chapter of our lives.

"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.

"In life, you can buy almost everything except for time, and right now, it's time to do right by the people that mean the most to me."

De Kock was regarded as one of the most talented wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world.

He scored 3300 runs at an average of 38.82 in 54 Tests, scoring at a rate of more than 70 runs per 100 balls. He took 221 catches and made 11 stumpings.

De Kock captained his country in four Tests last season but did not look happy in the role.

In January, he questioned the sustainability of bio-secure environments as a result of Covid-19 restrictions and said "bubble life is very unsettling".

His retirement means that only three players in the current South African squad have made Test centuries – captain Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma.

De Kock's place in the Test team is expected to be taken by Kyle Verreynne, who made his debut as a specialist batsman during a series in the West Indies in June.

(AFP)

More For You

7 biggest moments at Glastonbury 2025 from Pulp reunion buzz to Kneecap controversy

Glastonbury 2025 delivers heat drama and mystery with Pulp reunion rumours and Kneecap row

Getty Images

7 biggest moments at Glastonbury 2025 from Pulp reunion buzz to Kneecap controversy

You think you're coming to Glastonbury for the music. That’s what you tell yourself. But then, by Day 4, it’s Saturday afternoon, the sun’s hammering down like it’s got a personal vendetta against pasty Brits, and the air’s thick with sunscreen, spilled cider, and pure anticipation.

Something big’s brewing. Something secret. Something that makes you feel like you're standing on the edge of history, or at least a really, really good party. There’s joy and rebellion here. Tears and beer. Political fire and surprise reunions.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi-trump-getty
Trump shakes hands with Modi during a joint press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 25, 2020. (Photo: Getty Images)

Key issues in India, US trade talks

TRADE talks between India and the US have hit a roadblock over disagreements on duties for auto components, steel and farm goods, Indian government sources said to Reuters, dashing hopes of reaching an interim deal ahead of president Donald Trump's July 9 deadline to impose reciprocal tariffs.

Here are the key issues at play:

Keep ReadingShow less
Harris Dickinson Bond rumors

Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson top James Bond shortlist as Amazon eyes younger 007

Getty Images

Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi among top picks for 'James Bond' as Amazon begins new 007 era

Quick highlights:

  • Amazon’s reboot of the James Bond franchise is in early stages, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve attached.
  • Insiders claim Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are top contenders for the new 007.
  • The studio is reportedly seeking a British actor under 30; no official casting decisions made yet.
  • Next Bond film is unlikely to release before 2028 due to scheduling and production timelines.

The race for the next James Bond is heating up, and three familiar faces are at the top of the list.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kanpur 1857 play

This summer, Niall Moorjani returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with 'Kanpur: 1857'

Pleasance

Niall Moorjani brings colonial history to life with powerful new play 'Kanpur: 1857'

This summer, Niall Moorjani returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Kanpur: 1857, an explosive new play that fuses biting satire, history and heartfelt storytelling. Written, co-directed and performed by Moorjani, alongside fellow actor and collaborator Jonathan Oldfield, the show dives into the bloody uprising against British colonial rule in 1857 India, focusing on the brutal events in Kanpur.

At its centre is an Indian rebel, played by Moorjani, strapped to a cannon and forced to recount a version of events under the watchful eye of a British officer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alcaraz &  Djokovic

Djokovic (L) and Alcaraz embrace during practice prior to The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 26.

Getty

Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz eyes third straight title as Sinner, Djokovic lead challenge

CARLOS ALCARAZ will look to win his third consecutive Wimbledon title this year, reinforcing his position as the leading player on all surfaces. Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in a closely fought French Open final, heads to London hoping to reverse the result.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will also be in contention. At 38, this could be his best chance to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic lost the last two Wimbledon finals to Alcaraz and will aim to reclaim the trophy at the All England Club.

Keep ReadingShow less