`Injured` De Kock remains doubtful for Hamilton Test, IPL

Johannesburg [South Africa], Mar.23 (ANI): South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock continued to remain doubtful for the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton and may miss the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after scans confirmed tendon damage to his right index finger. The 24-year-old, who also missed Wednesday's training session, sustained the injury while fielding during the second Test in Wellington which the visitors went on to win by eight-wickets at the Basin Reserve. Reflecting on de Kock's injury, South Africa's team manager, Mohammed Moosajee, said that it is likely that the player would miss the IPL as he needs at least four to six weeks of time for full recovery. "There is every likelihood he will miss the IPL because he will need at least four to six weeks recovery. Being a wicketkeeper, every time he catches the ball, the stress goes onto that area," Moosajee said. "The risk is that if he doesn't have that four to six weeks rest, and he further aggravates it, it could jeopardise his participation in the Champions Trophy. With that in mind and with the England tour after that, it's important we give him the allocated time to recover for the injury," he added. According to ESPNcricinfo, South African team management have already had discussions with Delhi Daredevils coach Paddy Upton regarding de Kock's injury. In case, de Kock was forced to withdraw from the IPL due to the injury, he would become the second South African player after his Daredevils team-mate JP Duminy to pull out of the event. South Africa, who are leading the three-match Test series 1-0, will play their final match against New Zealand from March 25 at Seddon Park. (ANI)