Being labelled simple by your captain may not sound complimentary.
But it was meant in the nicest possible way when South Africa's Faf du Plessis was talking about the struggle his teamate Quinton de Kock has had against Black Caps spinner Jeetan Patel.
Four times Patel has undone the South African batsman this summer - twice in the one day series and in both innings in the first test in Dunedin.
But du Plessis doubts it's playing on de Kock's mind ahead of the second test starting in Wellington this morning.
Quinton de Kock is dismissed by Jeetan Patel...again. Photo: Photosport
"A strength of Quinton as a cricketer is that he doesn't over analyse things too much," said du Plessis.
"He's as simple as they come when it comes to thinking about the game or not thinking about the game ... he relies on instinct. He's an instinctive talented player."
"Yes Jeetan has got the best of him ... but the skill that Quinton has will always find a way so I see him coming out of this and having success," said du Plessis.
Du Plessis is promising a much more pro-active approach ahead of the second cricket test against New Zealand starting in Wellington today.
After the first test ended in a draw in Dunedin, the three match series is now reduced to two.
Du Plessis says he felt both the Proteas and the Black Caps were somewhat tentative in Dunedin waiting for the other side to make a mistake rather than trying to force the upper hand.
He has also made no secret of the fact that ever diminishing levels of experience in the New Zealand side is something South Africa will be looking to exploit.
The Black Caps will be without Trent Boult. Photo: Photosport
Between them Ross Taylor and Trent Boult have played 131 tests, but both have been ruled out through injury for the Wellington test.
Du Plessis said the absence of such experience will add pressure to rest of the team particularly with Neil Broom making his test debut as well.
-RNZ
