‘I made my decision and won’t go back on that now’: Quinton de Kock on his decision to quit Test cricket

Quinton de Kock announced his decision to quit Test cricket last year. The announcement was a shock to everyone in the cricketing fraternity as he was aged just 28 and had a brilliant record in the longest format of the game. Many even believed that he would end up as the greatest wicket-keeper batter of the format given his progress during the period.

He made his decision public midway through the Test series between India and South Africa. He played the first test of the series and the notified about his retirement. De Kock’s decision was revealed days before he welcomed his first child, a baby girl, named Kiara. While notifying about his decision he stated that he wanted to give more time to his family.

While speaking about the abrupt end to his Test career, De Kock revealed that the call was tough but he made up his decision and won’t go back on it. However, his love for the format is still intact as he follows the Proteas closely in the red-ball format.

“Obviously, it was a shock to everyone. But I made my decision and won’t go back on that now. It is what it is. Doesn’t take away the fact that I still love the game. I still watch the boys. The Bangladesh series, the India series, there’s still a lot that is exciting to watch but unfortunately, I’ve decided to part ways. My reasoning is kept to myself. It’s between me and my family.”- quoting the southpaw from his conversation with the Times of India.

In the 54 Tests that he played for South Africa, he scored 3300 runs at an average of 38.8. He scored five centuries and 22 half-centuries in Tests at the time of his retirement.