Vernon Philander backs Kagiso Rabada to shine in India Test series
Vernon Philander backs Kagiso Rabada to make a significant impact in South Africa’s Test series against India, despite past struggles, citing Rabada’s growth and potential for success on pitches that may offer more assistance to fast bowlers. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
It’s no secret that the pitches in India do not traditionally favour fast bowlers, but former South Africa seamer Vernon Philander has backed Proteas quick Kagiso Rabada to play a meaningful role in their Test series starting at Eden Gardens on Friday.
This is despite Rabada having played six Tests in India with a return of just nine wickets for an average of 44 and a strike rate of 92.
The strike rate is particularly poor, as it means Rabada generally takes one wicket for every 15 overs bowled.
This time around things would be different for the 30-year-old Rabada, believed Philander.
Philander Discusses Kagiso Rabada’s Evolution and Impact in Test Cricket
“If you talk about Kagiso Rabada, we talk six years back. I mean, where does it take Kagiso Rabada? It takes him to his early twenties. He was a youngster back then. And you do learn a lot,” Philander told espncricinfo.
“I watched him operate in the Pakistan series and you almost see a completely different Kagiso Rabada.”
The adjustment would be mostly mental, hinted Philander, who played 64 Tests for South Africa.
“The control is broad. Understanding that he might not be able to bowl 16 to 20 overs in a day, but more like bowling 12 overs in a day and those 12 overs need to be really impactful.
“Your role in the subcontinent in the team obviously changes.
“You’re there to perhaps play more of a supporting role and afford the spinners space to strike. But I still feel Kagiso Rabada is a world-class bowler.
“If you put him on any surface, he will have an impact on matches.”
Potential Advantage for Fast Bowlers on Upcoming Pitches
There has also been talk that the pitches that will be used in this series could have something more in it for the fast bowlers.
“I'm pretty sure he will have a smile on his face this time round, as there might be a bit of assistance for the seamers.
“But I think the role doesn't change. He is such a wonderful leader. If you look at his record, it's just phenomenal.
“The subcontinent might be a little issue, but seamers in general in the subcontinent don't bowl that many overs. So I wouldn't read too much into their records.”