De Kock returns: what then of Rickelton?

WHEN Cricket South Africa announced the return of wicket-keeper/batter Quinton de Kock to the international white ball space on Monday, the whole country was sent into a frenzy, as fans were engulfed by the excitement of watching the left-hander in the green and gold once again.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

SOUTH Africa's Ryan Rickelton celebrates after scoring a century during their ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi in February. | AFP

(AFP)

De Kock had announced that he would retire from One-Day cricket following the conclusion of the 2023 ICC Men's World Cup, and went on to score four centuries in that tournament.

With the 2027 ICC Men's World Cup less than two years away, the 32-year-old's availability has certainly strengthened South Africa's chances of achieving something special, winning the elusive trophy for the first time, on home soil.