All eyes on de Kock as South Africa takes on SL

Sharja

de Kock’s pull-out for refusing to be a part of the anti-racism gesture in the game against West Indies kicked up a storm which subsided with a lengthy statement from him on Thursday in which he made himself available, saying he is fine taking a knee if it “educates others”. 

The off-field drama surrounding the wicketkeeper-batter, who is a key member of the side, did not distract the side as it beat the Caribbeans by eight wickets. 

de Kock, who felt deeply hurt at being called a racist for his earlier position, also apologised for the confusion caused by the entire situation. 

He would now like to make a statement by scoring big if skipper Temba Bavuma and the team “will have me” back. 

Bavuma, whose leadership has been outstanding during the mini crisis, would be eager that the player and the team are able to put behind the controversy as quickly as possible. 

He has firmly stood behind de Kock during the media storm and has not hesitated to state that Cricket South Africa’s timing wasn’t ideal when it ordered players to take the knee before every match just hours ahead of the game against the West Indies. 

Bavuma would now want to lead from the front with his batting as well. The right-handed opener has scores of 12 and 2 so far and he would be more than keen to find form. 

South Africa boasts of aggressive batters in Reeza Hendricks, Rassle van der Dussen, Aiden Markram and the ever-reliable David Miller, who can take any opposition attack apart on their day and Sri Lanka’s would be no exception. 

But all the South African batters would need to be wary of the wily Sri Lankan spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, who have bamboozled the opposition batters. 

The South African bowling clicked in the game against West Indies with right-arm medium pacer Dwaine Pretorius claiming three wickets. It also has two of the best death bowlers in Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, whose role would be crucial on Saturday afternoon. 

An important role would be played for the Proteas by its spinners -- Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi --, who would look to run through the talented but inconsistent Sri Lankan batting order. 

South Africa is unlikely to tinker with its winning combination. 

Sri Lanka will have to quickly put the seven-wicket hammering by Australia behind it and needs to start afresh. 

For the Islanders, Charith Asalanka’s form has been a positive.

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