DE KOCK: JANSEN WILL BE A GREAT ALL-ROUNDER ONE DAY

Durban’s Super Giants’ Quinton de Kock may be taking the ICC World Cup by storm for the Proteas, but he believes South African cricket may be in the process of unearthing a raw diamond in Marco Jansen. 

De Kock, who is retiring from One-Day International cricket after the World Cup to focus primarily on T20 franchise cricket such as the Betway SA20 among others, has struck two consecutive centuries in the Proteas’ opening two matches. 

There was a brilliant 100 against Sri Lanka in Delhi before following it up with an equally stylish 109 against Australia in Lucknow – the venue of his IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants. 

But instead of focusing on his own achievements, he feels the future lies with all-rounder Jansen. 

The lanky 23-year-old’s bowling exploits are well known, as he takes the new ball for the Proteas in all formats and also Betway SA20 Season 1 champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape. 

But after already showing glimpses of his potential with bat in hand when he destroyed MI Cape Town captain and superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan at Newlands last season to ignite the Sunrisers’ title challenge, he is now furthering his batting exploits with the Proteas in international cricket.

“I think he’s doing really well. For a guy his age, he’s got a lot of experience ahead of him in the batting department to help guide him. So, he’s doing really well, I think he’s very talented,” De Kock said.  

“He’s a big hitter of the ball. Plays spin really well and he’s looking to improve every time.” 

Jansen has delivered cameos of 47, 12* and 26 in his last three turns at bat, with the former along with his maiden five-wicket ODI haul, earning him the Player of the Match in the home series decider against Australia at the Wanderers. 

De Kock feels that the youngster should be given the time and space to develop without any extra pressure being added just yet because he certainly has the potential to develop into another of the fine all-rounders such as Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener and Andrew Hall that South Africa regularly produced in the 1990s. 

“I think just give him a chance. He’s still young so he’s not like the rest of us who are all probably above the age of 30,” he said.

“So let him just grow in his ways and in his position I’m sure he’ll be a great all-rounder for us one day.”