De Kock Prepares for Intense Encounter Against Australia in World Cup

In anticipation of the high-stakes World Cup clash against traditional rivals Australia, South African batsman Quinton de Kock foresees a battle of “big egos” that will ultimately determine the outcome of the match.

De Kock, who announced his retirement from international cricket after this tournament, has been part of a Proteas side that has had the upper hand over Australia in recent years, winning 15 of their 20 One-Day Internationals since 2016.

Speaking on Wednesday, De Kock acknowledged the historic competitiveness between South Africa and Australia, stating, “Both teams are strong teams, both got big egos, both want to win, want to beat each other.” He emphasized that the team making the right choices under pressure would emerge victorious.

In the opening match of the World Cup, South Africa set a tournament record by scoring 428 runs, leading to a 102-run victory over Sri Lanka in New Delhi. De Kock himself scored his 18th ODI century, a feat he hadn’t achieved in World Cups before. Reflecting on his achievement, he expressed his satisfaction and its positive impact on the team’s confidence.

Following the World Cup, De Kock will continue to be available for T20 internationals, provided there are no conflicts with more lucrative franchise opportunities. Despite his impressive career and numerous records, he has no regrets about retiring from the South African team. He acknowledged the format’s demands, especially after years of playing, and suggested younger players seize the opportunity to keep the format alive.

As South Africa aims for their elusive World Cup title, De Kock stressed the importance of consistency, especially in tight games like those in the World Cup. The team’s ability to maintain composure and perform well under pressure will determine their success.

In Thursday’s match against Australia, De Kock will be playing at the Ekana Stadium, familiar territory for him as his IPL team, Lucknow, is based there.