New Delhi: South Africa fast bowler is likely to return in the playing XI for the second Test against Australia, with his recovery from the hamstring injury progressing well.
Rabada has not featured in any match since the in May but was set to play in the ODI series against Australia last month before he hurt his hamstring in winter training.
He was included in South Africa’s Test squad for the Australia matches but ruled out of the first game, as captain Temba Bavuma said, “from a precautionary point of view.” Rabada remained with the squad and was seen bowling with increasing intensity, and if the pacer gets fit, he’ll return to the team in Gqeberha.
“KG looks good. I think SuperSport (the South African broadcasters) kept showing him on the big screen bowling. He’s bubbly as ever within the changing room. And his non-selection was more from a precautionary point of view to give him the extra couple of days. So now he’s got the extra couple of days. We’ll see how he continues to improve. But KG is very good,” captain Bavuma said at the post-match press conference.
Rabada likely to replace Anrich Nortje
If Rabada is cleared to play in the second Test, he is likely to replace Anrich Nortje, who had a heavy workload in the series opener. He played a Test match for the first time in over three years and bowled 40 overs across two innings, more than both Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder.
“As soon as you go over 20 overs, those miles in the legs do impact you at some stage. It’s the first Test so most of our bowlers are fresh but whether you’ll see Anrich in the second Test, I’m not sure. Someone like him who bowls express pace, you don’t necessarily want him to be playing all the Test matches. I’m not on the selection panel or anything like that, I’m just saying what I’m thinking to be honest but miles in the legs does play a role,” Mulder said.
Nortje is one of the seven fast bowlers in South Africa’s squad, including Jansen, Mulder, Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson. The Proteas also have several pacers on the sidelines. The second Test between South Africa and Australia will begin on October 18 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.