South Africa captain Temba Bavuma on Friday admitted that in-form batter Quinton de Kock’s experience and knowledge of the Wankhede will be a guiding force for them in their World Cup clash here against England.
Coming off a shock defeat to the Netherlands, South Africa will be keen to get back to winning ways when they face 2019 winners England in the World Cup on Saturday.
De Kock, set to retire from ODIs after the World Cup, has had the Wankhede as his home ground in the IPL playing for the Mumbai Indians from 2019-2021. He’s with the Lucknow Super Giants since the 2022 season.
Bavuma said De Kock’s experience will come in handy for his side which has some players, including himself, playing here for the first time.
“His experience is immense. In our batting chat today (Friday), we basically listened to him. He gave the batting chat as to what the conditions are like, what to expect,” Bavuma told the media before South Africa’s training session.
Bavuma, who opens the innings for the Proteas, has had a quiet start to the World Cup with scores of 8, 35 and 16, unlike his explosive batting partner De Kock, who struck centuries in the first two games. Bavuma said De Kock’s experience will be vital.
“I mean, for at least a player like myself, who has never played here, you feed off that type of information, that type of intel.
“Obviously with him having the good start (to the World Cup), like you said, he will be looking to build on that. And I am sure if it is his day, if the conditions allow, I am sure he will take it with both hands,” Bavuma added.
Bavuma said South Africa will be ready with their plans if England decide to bring in Ben Stokes in their playing XI.
