Introduction:
South Africa had a poor start to the Test, losing their first three wickets for just 39 runs. However, de Kock and Temba Bavuma steadied the ship with a 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
De Kock kept playing aggressively even after Bavuma was disqualified for 47. After scoring 141 runs before being finally removed, he took just 101 balls to reach his century.
De Kock’s century helped South Africa to post a total of 284 runs in their first innings. In their second innings, South Africa declared on 255 runs for 4 wickets, setting England a target of 325 runs to win.
De Kock’s belligerent century sets up victory for South Africa
Moreover, Quinton de Kock’s belligerent century was the key to South Africa’s victory in the first Test against England. He came in at a time when South Africa were struggling, and he played a fearless innings to turn the tide of the match.
De Kock reached his century off just 101 balls, and he went on to score 141 runs before he was finally dismissed. He hit 16 fours and 6 sixes in his innings, and he kept the England bowlers on the back foot throughout.
De Kock’s century helped South Africa to post a total of 284 runs in their first innings, which gave them a significant advantage in the match.
England collapse in the second innings
It had a poor start to their second innings, losing their first four wickets for just 72 runs. They were bowled out for 210 runs in their second innings, giving South Africa a victory by 114 runs.
England’s collapse in the second innings was due to a combination of good bowling from South Africa and poor batting from England. The England batsmen were also to blame for their own downfall. They made a number of soft dismissals, and they were never able to get into any sort of rhythm.
De Kock’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting
De Kock’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting. He played all the strokes in the book, and he never let the England bowlers settle down. De Kock’s century was a joy to watch, and it was one of the best innings of the tournament.
De Kock’s century puts South Africa in charge.
Quinton de Kock’s century was the turning point in the match. South Africa were in a precarious position at 190/3 when he came to the crease. However, he played a brilliant innings to help South Africa post a big total in their first innings.
De Kock’s innings was characterized by his aggression and his ability to score runs all around the wicket. He hit 16 fours and four sixes in his innings, and he kept the England bowlers on their toes throughout.
De Kock’s partnership with van der Dussen crucial
De Kock’s partnership with Rassie van der Dussen was crucial for South Africa. The duo put on a 212-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which helped South Africa post a total of 549 in their first innings.
Van der Dussen also played a brilliant innings, scoring 91 runs off 219 balls. He provided De Kock with good support, and he helped South Africa to post a big total in their first innings.
Conclusion:
South Africa’s victory in the first Test against England was a well-deserved one. They played better cricket than England in all three departments of the game.
Quinton de Kock’s belligerent century was the key to South Africa’s victory. He played a fearless innings at a time when South Africa were struggling, and he turned the tide of the match.
England will need to improve their batting significantly if they want to bounce back in the second Test.