Why losing Kagiso Rabada for the first Test might not be the worst thing for the Proteas
Kagiso Rabada’s absence from the first Test against India at Eden Gardens could benefit South Africa by strengthening their batting lineup with the addition of all-rounder Corbin Bosch, as Rabada’s past performances in India have been underwhelming. Picture: Glyn Kirk/AFP
Image: Glyn Kirk/AFP
There was massive shock and disappointment for South African cricket fans on Friday, as they woke up to the news that Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada had been ruled out of the first Test against India at Eden Gardens.
Far and away South Africa’s best fast bowler, the loss of Rabada may have been seen as a huge blow on the face of it.
The 30-year-old is the only Proteas bowler ranked inside the top-10 in Test bowling rankings at number five. For reference, Marco Jansen is 12th and Keshav Maharaj is in 13th.
However, Rabada has not faired well as he has played six Tests in India previously with a return of just nine wickets for an average of 44 and a strike rate of 92.
Rabada’s Absence: Strengthening South Africa’s Batting Lineup Against India
The strike rate is particularly poor, as it means Rabada generally takes one wicket for every 15 overs bowled.
Of course, it’s been half a decade since South Africa played India on their home turf, but there is traditionally very little in it for the seamers, and that’s the main reason why Rabada has not shone on the Indian pitches.
In Rabada’s absence, it allowed South Africa to add another batsman to their lineup with the addition of all-rounder Corbin Bosch.
That’s not to say that Bosch (although he can be exceptionally difficult to handle when he’s bowling well) will be anywhere near as effective as Rabada with the ball, but there is the high likelihood that pace is largely negated at Eden Gardens.
With skipper Temba Bavuma also returning and Dewald Brevis missing out, it seems like a far stronger batting lineup for South Africa.
Rabada taking a breather then, may work out quite well.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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