South Africa's wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock celebrates his 27th birthday on Tuesday. Born on December 17, 1992, De Kock is one of the best wicket-keeper batsmen in the modern era and has proved his mettle in all the formats of the game. The southpaw is an aggressive batsman who likes to attack the bowlers from the word go. In recent times, De Kock has been one of the most consistent performers for South Africa and the star cricketer is also expected to fill the boots of Ab de Villiers and Hashim Amla. Quinton de Kock Becomes the First South African Wicket-Keeper to Register a Test Century on Indian Soil.

The wicket-keeper batsman made his international debut on December 2012 and didn’t take long in cementing his place in the team. De Kock first came in the limelight when he scored three consecutive centuries against India in 2013. Since then, the southpaw didn’t look back and played many more match-defining knocks for South Africa in all the formats of the game. To date, the Proteas cricketer has scored 4907 runs in Tests, 2554 runs in ODIs and 1018 runs in T20 Internationals. Meanwhile, let’s look at five of the best knocks played by the left-handed batsman.

178 Against Australia in Centurion

The dynamic opener wreaked havoc against the Men in Yellow in the first ODI of Australia’s 2016 Tour of South Africa and guided his side to victory single-handedly. Chasing a target of 295 runs, De Kock opened the innings for the Proteas and since then, it was a one-man show. The batsman scored runs all over the park and scored a blistering hundred and guided South Africa to a six-wicket victory.

135 Against India in Johannesburg

The opening ODI of India’s 2013 Tour of South Africa saw a De Kock special. Batting first, the youngster started off his innings on the positive note and looked at his premium best. The batsman was watchful at the start of his innings before unleashing the attack in the latter half to complete a century. His ton powered South Africa to 358/4 in the first innings which proved to be enough as India fell 141 runs short of the target.

129* Against England in Centurion

The Proteas had a horrid time during England’s 2016 Tour of the rainbow nation. However, the wicket-keeper batsman scored a terrific ton in the last match of the Test series and guided his side to a consolation victory. Coming to bat at number 7 in the first innings, De Kock backed his natural game and went after the bowlers. He played a fiery knock and scored 129 off mere 128 balls. As a result, South Africa posted 475 runs in the first innings and later won the match by 280 runs.

104 Against Australia in Hobart

Australia were bundled out for 85 runs in the first innings of South Africa’s 2016-17 Tour down under. The pitch seemed friendly for the bowlers but just before De Kocks’ arrival. The wicket-keeper showed great intent and brilliantly tackled the Aussies pace attack. The likes of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were not able to pierce the southpaw’s defence as he scored a magnificent ton which helped the visitors to win the match by an innings and 80 runs.

 79* Against India in Bengaluru

De Kock was appointed as Proteas’ captain during India vs South Africa T20I series, earlier this year. The visitors were trailing 1-0 in the three-match T20I series with one match being washed and the third encounter was a do or die one for South Africa. However, the skipper rose to the occasion and played a match-winning knock. His 52-ball 79 helped the visitors to chase the target of 135 runs.

South African cricket is currently going through a transition phase. So, senior players like De Kock are needed to put their hands up and help the team winning the encounter. The star cricketer will be next seen in action during the England vs South Africa Test series and will eye to leave a mark against the Englishmen.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 17, 2019 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).