ALLAN Lamb believes South Africa have made a “big mistake” by overlooking Quinton de Kock and naming AB de Villiers as wicketkeeper for the first two Tests against England.de Kock was not included in the Test squad for the recent 3-0 defeat in India after being dropped during the series against Bangladesh
Dane Vilas replaced the 22-year-old left-hander, who has made eight one-day international centuries, but the duo missed out on a place in the squad for the upcoming Tests against England at Kingsmead and Newlands.
de Villiers will take the gloves as the Proteas look to bolster their batting line-up following a miserable series in India, but former England captain Lamb thinks de Kock has been harshly treated.
He told Omnisport: “I can’t see why they’ve done that, because I think de Kock can play.
“He’s a bloody good little player and I think they’ve made a big mistake. They should definitely have had de Kock in.”
Lamb, who scored 14 centuries in his illustrious Test career, reckons England have every chance of securing their first Test series win in South Africa since 2004-05.
He added: “South Africa come into it following a heavy defeat against India and I think that has given us a better chance. They are struggling with some of their batters not in form.
“But I think if they decide to use wickets that are going to favour their bowlers, I think we have the bowlers to compete with the South African bowlers.
“We’ve got a problem finding another opening batsman with (Alastair) Cook. (Gary) Ballance has come back; he may play better as he’s a back-foot player so he might do alright out there if they pick him.
“But I think it’s going to be an interesting series. South Africa are not going to be the way out favourites. Of course they’ll start off as favourites but England have definitely got a chance.”
The first Test in Durban starts next Saturday.

(Omni Sport)