Don't need Test captaincy pressure at the moment, says de Kock

Johannesburg, July 6 (IANS) South Africa's limited-overs skipper Quinton de Kock does not want to be over burdened with Test captaincy and that is why he refused to take up that role.The 27-year-old had replaced Faf du Plessis as ODI skipper in January this year. Later, it was announced that de Kock would not be elevated to Test captaincy.The wicketkeeper-batsman said he had a discussion regarding this with head coach Mark Boucher."Me and Boucher had a very informal chat and I told him, look, I don't know how I feel about being Test captain also. The reality is that's just too much for me to handle. I know that and I realise that. I don't need all that stress on myself," he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo."I could see from a mile away that I didn't need that on top of my shoulders. I'm wanting to come up the order in Test cricket and so I don't need all that extra pressure."de Kock also said he is yet to resume training and is taking a break which he feels is more important."Because of the regulations, it's hard to have such a big squad in a certain environment," he said."I'm based in a very remote place. There's not much cricket around where I live. I've made sure my fitness is up to date. Practice almost becomes muscle memory. For me, at this point in my career, a break is more important than training."He will take part in the '3TCricket' competition on July 18, which would mark the resumption of live cricket in South Africa following the coronavirus-forced break.The Solidarity Cup will see 24 of South Africa's top players feature in three teams -- The Eagles, Kingfishers and The Kites -- playing two halves in a single match.
--IANS dm/aak/bbh/