Proteas limited-overs captain Quinton de Kock is finding it tough to train under lockdown and says his fitness is taking a knock.
With limited space at home, De Kock also admits that the coronavirus isolation has taken its toll on him mentally as well.
De Kock explains: "Staying fit is one thing - the problem is trying to stay fit.
“Some of us, especially me, I have a very small house at the moment, and I am limited in terms of what I can do.
“I will be fit, but not at the level where I want to be.”
The level De Kock is talking about is not that of just one player. He wears many hats in the team as wicketkeeper, opening batsman and captain.
JOBS: Proteas ODI skipper De Kock keeps wicket and opens the batting
It’s therefore important that he stays mentally as well as physically fit. En daai is nog ‘n challenge.
He adds: “The lockdown also takes a toll on you mentally to get up and get going and doing stuff.
“That’s what I’ve found the longer we’ve been in this lockdown thing once everything lifts and you can get out and get some running done, I’m sure my fitness will get back to where it should be.
“At the moment, though, it is a bit difficult.”
With Cricket South Africa in the process of organising a India from India to our shores in August, De Kock has enough time to get back to full fitness.
As for the mental aspect of it, Friday’s change to Level 4 lockdown restrictions will give him some extra room to breathe.