Russell Domingo is delighted with the performances of the Proteas’ youngsters during the ODI series in New Zealand. 

In the absence of some senior players, South Africa’s wonderkids have stepped up and performed well in recent ODIs.

The injection of youngsters, particularly the additions of all-rounders Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo, has added zest to the squad. This infusion of young talent was instrumental in SA’s 159-run win in the third ODI, and for the team to bounce back from a loss in the second match in Christchurch last Wednesday.

‘It’s been a feature of our side’s performances over the last year that the younger players have all come in and put in performances straight away, which speaks a lot about where the team is at the moment and the culture of the group,’ said Domingo.

‘It’s always pleasing when some new players are stepping up nor relying on one or two players.’

With Quinton de Kock becoming one of SA’s biggest superstars, it’s easy to forget that he falls in the category of youngsters. The 24-year-old has struck two consecutive 50s against the Black Caps so far and Domingo believes he is already a top-class player.

‘He has got a phenomenal rate of transferring those fifties to hundreds, so I’m sure he’d be disappointed he hasn’t got a hundred, because he is playing as well as he has ever played,’ said Domingo.

‘I suppose he would feel a little disappointed in the manner of some of his dismissals. That’s the nature of how he plays.

‘He is such an aggressive player and I by no means want to curb his natural instinct. He is an x-factor player and some days he is going to get it wrong and that’s okay, but on the days he gets it right, he is going to win the game for you.

‘He is still a baby, its hard to believe he is only 24. We’ve had some great players play international cricket for South Africa, who’ve got 10 or 11 hundreds in 200 games. He has got 12 in 77. That’s a phenomenal return for a young player like that.’