One Day Cup
Lions' De Kock ready for Steyn
2012-12-13 07:45
Quinton de Kock (Gallo Images)
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Cape Town - Young Highveld Lions batting star Quinton de Kock is eager to face the world's best bowler when his side take on the Cape Cobras in the One-Day Cup final at the Wanderers on Friday.
The 19-year-old wicketkeeper batsman is
tipped to make the Proteas' T20 squad for the upcoming New Zealand series, and according to his coach at the Lions, Geoffrey Toyana, the youngster is not afraid to face
Dale Steyn.
De Kock impressed in the recent Champions League T20 tournament when he smashed 51 not out form 33 balls against a Mumbai Indians line-up consisting of bowlers of the calibre of Lasith Malinga, Mitchell Johnson, Harbhajan Singh and Kieron Pollard. He is also one of the top batsman in this season's One-Day Cup with 262 runs, including an eye-catching 115 against the Titans last month.
"The Cobras have an impressive team, especially with their Proteas who are available again, but we also have heaps of experience," Toyana told the
Beeld website.
"Our young players are also eagerly awaiting the chance to show what they've got and I know someone like Quinton can't wait to bat against Dale."
Steyn's five for 45 helped the Cobras defeat the Titans by three wickets in their eliminator clash last week. Apart from Steyn, they also have the luxury of utilising international players in
Vernon Philander,
Rory Kleinveldt and
Robin Peterson.
Graeme Smith,
Jacques Kallis and
JP Duminy cannot be considered due to injury.
The Lions look likely to pick only Alviro Peterson among their players returning from international duty after Toyana earlier this week hinted he won’t pick wicketkeeper
Thami Tsolekile and struggling leg spinner
Imran Tahir.
Play starts from 15:00 on Friday.