South African Captain Bavuma Looks to De Kock's Wankhede Knowledge for World Cup Clash Against England

Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, acknowledged on Friday that in-form batter Quinton de Kock's familiarity with the Wankhede will be a guiding force for them in their World Cup match here against England.

South Africa will be eager to rebound from a shocking loss to the Netherlands when they play 2019 champions England in the World Cup on Saturday.

De Kock, who will end his ODI career after the World Cup, has called the Wankhede his home field during his time with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL from 2019 to 2021. He has been a member of the Lucknow Super Giants since 2022.

De Kock's experience, according to Bavuma, will be helpful for his team as certain players, like himself, are making their international debuts.

He has immediate experience. Today (Friday) during our batting chat, we essentially listened to him. Before South Africa's training session, Bavuma told the media that the batting coach had given the group an overview of the conditions and what to anticipate.

Contrary to his explosive batting partner De Kock, who scored hundreds in both of the Proteas' opening matches, Bavuma has had a quiet start to the World Cup with scores of 8, 35, and 16. De Kock's expertise, according to Bavuma, will be crucial.

"I mean, you feed off that type of information, that type of insight, at least for a player like myself who has never played here.

"Obviously, he will be hoping to capitalize on the strong start (to the World Cup) you said. And I have no doubt that he will seize the opportunity with both hands if it is his day and the circumstances permit," Bavuma continued.

If England choose to include Ben Stokes in their starting lineup, Bavuma stated that South Africa will be prepared with their preparations.

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