“We’ll have all bases covered,” said Proteas captain, Quinton de Kock, in his first address to the media since the Proteas arrived in Karachi, Pakistan.
Quinton de Kock’s side is the first South African team to travel to Pakistan since their last tour in 2007, in which Graeme Smith’s team won, both, the Test and ODI series.
“Given that none of the current Proteas players has played in Pakistan before,” De Kock conceded, “We don’t know the conditions that well.”
“We know that reverse swing and spin play a part,” De Kock continued.
Pakistan’s most recent tour to New Zealand saw them lose the T20 and Test series comprehensively. However, De Kock cautioned against underestimating Pakistan, “Doesn’t count for anything.
Pakistan in their home conditions will be tough. I can guarantee they will put up a fight.” De Kock believes the Proteas’ greatest challenge on this tour will be adapting to the conditions on offer because of the large number of unknowns.
Additionally, the return of Pakistan’s Test captain and premier batsman, Babar Azam, will further strengthen Pakistan’s batting unit. Praising Azam, De Kock said, “Babar has shown over the last couple of years that he is a top-class player. It’s no surprise he’s rated highly across the world.”
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In Proteas Head Coach, Mark Boucher’s pre-departure press conference, he alluded to Pakistan’s pitches being conducive to fast bowling. With Pakistan picking two additional spinners in Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan, De Kock believes spin will also present a potent threat to the Proteas. “We will prepare the best we can and deal with it when we go out there,” said De Kock.
Averaging 62.75 in Tests against Pakistan, De Kock is excited at the prospect of scoring runs against Pakistan.
“I’d love to score some runs,” de Kock said. Clarifying that he is happy to bat at 5, De Kock said he wasn’t too bothered by outside conversation surrounding the ideal batting position for him. “I’m settled at 5,” De Kock said.
Commenting on the challenges of living in bio-secure environments, De Kock said, “It’s not easy. You’re trying to keep yourself mentally stable and perform for your country at once. It’s been tough but we’re soldiering on.”
It has helped the Proteas that they are not required to go through a two-week quarantine period in Pakistan and that their training facilities were across the road from the team hotel.
Cricket’s return to Pakistan has been discussed extensively in the cricketing fraternity over the last few years. Before departing for Pakistan, security was a concern for the Proteas.
However, upon their arrival in Pakistan, the team was comforted by the extent of the security measures being taken to protect them. “We’re feeling really safe. For now, we’re just worrying about cricket,” said De Kock.
Watch the full Press Conference:
