Quinton de Kock to be relieved of South Africa captaincy after second Pakistan Test

Mark Boucher says a decision on a long-term skipper will be made at the conclusion of the series in Rawalpindi

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South Africa will make a decision over their long-term Test captain as Quinton de Kock looks set to be relieved of the responsibility after the clash with Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

The 28-year-old was given the role for the 2020-21 international season, which has been cut short by the postponement of the Australia series. The Proteas are not due in red-ball action again until the visit of India at the end of the year.

De Kock, already the white-ball skipper, only agreed to take over on a temporary basis after Faf du Plessis stood down last year and as a result, is not being considered for the position full time.

"When we get back after this tour we've got a bit of time before our next Test series so we can sit down and make a good, solid call on who can take over from him and release him from that burden and try and get the best out of him," said head coach Mark Boucher ahead of the second and final Test against Pakistan. 

"It's been tough on Quinny. If you're not scoring runs it gets highlighted, especially if you're a captain.

"We're not that harsh on Quinny in this environment. We know that he's a quality player and there's a good innings around the corner for him. He has been given the extra burden of being captain and that can be tough and something he's not used to."

The wicket-keeper batsman's form does appear to have suffered since being asked to lead the team, scoring just 45 runs in his four innings this season.