De Kock can be Proteas' 'match-winner' in Tests same as Brian Lara was for Windies

The Coach of South Africa's first class cricket team Highveld Lions has said that he still believes Quinton de Kock can be a match-winner for the national team in Tests like Brian Lara was for the West Indies, provided the wicketkeeper-batsman gets an extended run and understands exactly what his role is.

De Kock is reportedly vying for the number-seven spot in the Test team with Stiaan van Zyl, as Dean Elgar and Alviro Petersen are the favourites to open the innings for the South African Test team against Sri Lanka in July.

According to Sport24, Geoffrey Toyana said that De Kock struggled last year in Sri Lanka against the slow bowlers, but he has improved his ability against the spinners, thanks to the practise sessions and some technical changes.

Toyana added that it is important that De Kock is backed in similar fashion to Jacques Kallis when he started his career, adding that one cannot bat the wicketkeeper-batsman at No. 1, then at No. 4 and the next Test at No. 6.

Toyana also added that one cannot have a situation where De Kock is looking over his shoulder after just one Test and wondering if his place is in jeopardy, as what he needs is an extended run.

Meanwhile, Rob Walter, coach of the Titans and fielding coach of the Delhi Daredevils, said that De Kock definitely looked an improved player against spin during the IPL, adding that his work ethic is wonderful.