South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock is a doubtful starter for the third and final Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, starting from Saturday (March 25).

De Kock had copped a blow to his right index finger while batting on the third day of the second Test in Wellington. Although he went on to play a crucial part in turning the match around which the visitors won by eight wickets, scans went on to reveal ligament damage to the top joint of his finger.

South Africa are now working to see if de Kock can play without any pain after wearing a strapping to his finger. "Tomorrow, we'll make a late call whether, with the protective strapping the physio is trying to arrange, he can bat," team doctor Mohammed Moosajee said on Thursday (March 23).

However, this may not be it. There's also a shadow hanging over de Kock's participation in the Indian Premier League, where he is contracted with the Delhi Daredevils franchise. Moosajee has advocated a full recovery plan of around four to six weeks for de Kock.

"There is every likelihood he will pull out," he said. "Every time he catches the ball, stress goes on that area. He is going to need a period of recovery."

In case de Kock fails to make it for the third Test, 25-year-old uncapped wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen will make his debut for South Africa.