Quinton de Kock pulls out of Nottinghamshire deal

South African batsman Quinton de Kock, who has recently been elevated to the position of captain for the last two ODIs of the ongoing five-match series against Sri Lanka, has withdrawn from the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club deal.

The 25-year-old was scheduled to play four Specsavers County Championship matches for the club at the end of the season.

The withdrawal, reportedly, came at the request of Cricket South Africa (CSA). They reasoned that the left-hand batsman has a reoccurrence of an injury to the right index finger and the management wanted it to be healed ahead of the upcoming busy cricket schedule.

Reflecting on the pullout, Nottinghamshire's director of cricket Mick Newell said that he is really disappointed with the move and would now explore other available options.

"We're disappointed because Quinton is a high-quality player and we would have been stronger with him in the side, but he has a central contract with Cricket South Africa and there is always some risk when you sign a player of his profile," ESPNcricinfo.com quoted Newell, as saying.

"We would like to strengthen the team for the remaining red ball fixtures and will consider the options that are out there but it's a particularly tough market at this stage of the season," he added.

De Kock has played a total of 94 one day matches for South Africa and has scored 3996 runs with an average of 45.41, while in Tests, he has made 1925 runs with an average of 36.32.