‘It's between me and my family’ – Quinton de Kock opens up about his decision to quit Test cricket

South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock abruptly announced his retirement from Test cricket last year and took the entire cricket world by storm. The southpaw was just 28 and boasted a staggering record in the purest format. Many even backed him to become the most successful keeper-batter in the history of Test cricket. However, De Kock bid farewell to the format to spend more time with his young family.

His decision came midway through the Test series between India and South Africa. The southpaw featured in the opening clash and notified about his retirement subsequently. Notably, De Kock made the announcement days before welcoming his first child, a baby girl who has been named Kiara. Back then, the dasher stated he wanted to give more time to his family.

I made my decision and won’t go back: Quinton de Kock

Shedding more light on his decision, De Kock admitted his call was tough but he made up his mind and won’t go back. The veteran cricketer even said that his love for Test matches is still intact and he continues to follow South Africa’s assignments in the purest format.

“Obviously, it was a shock to everyone. But I made my decision and won’t go back on that now. It is what it is. Doesn’t take away the fact that I still love the game. I still watch the boys. The Bangladesh series, the India series, there’s still a lot that is exciting to watch but unfortunately, I’ve decided to part ways. My reasoning is kept to myself. It’s between me and my family,” De Kock was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

On hearing De Kock’s retirement, South Africa’s fast-bowling legend Dale Steyn stated that the southpaw could have completed 100 Tests. On being asked to react on the same, the 29-year-old said he dreamt of playing so many games but the reality is different.

“I don’t know about a 100 Tests because South Africa was only playing about six Tests a year, and I don’t think I was going to play another 10 years of Test cricket. I don’t think my body would have allowed it. It was a schoolboy dream to play 100 Tests but I’ve had to look at the reality of things and not think like a schoolboy anymore,” said De Kock.

Meanwhile, De Kock, who made his Test debut in February 2014, played 54 games in the purest format and slammed 3300 with his average being just under 39. Moreover, his strike rate was in excess of 70 and he scored six centuries in whites.