South Africa continued there excellent record in Perth, winning their third Test in a row at the WACA. And a major credit for the win goes to the 21-year-old pacer Kagiso Rabada.
Ever since he gave a glimpse of his talent during the U-19 World Cup in 2014, Rabada has made rapid strides in the international arena. His height, pace and ability to swing the ball late make him an irresistible talent and it is no wonder the Proteas are going ga-ga about him, even though he has played just nine Tests.
What makes Rabada’s Perth effort even more impressive is the fact that South Africa lost the services of the leader of their attack – Dale Steyn – in the first innings itself.
Steyn’s shoulder injury will keep him out for a long time, and maybe affect his career as well. His injury must have been dispiriting for the Proteas but full marks to Rabada for stepping up to the challenge right in the middle of a Test.
His seven scalps in a match where even Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc struggled in the second innings show that he has it in him to create wicket-taking opportunities and that is a priceless ability. However, his workload is a matter of concern.
Rabada bowled 51 overs in the Test, the second most by any quick in the match and on a hard Perth surface, his body must have taken quite a hit. Even though he said the number of overs don’t bother him, the team management must step in and not let such a talent grind himself to dust early in his career.
Inspirational win.All the Bowlers toiled hard and valiantly.kudos men. @KagisoRabada25 well done Man of the Match.showed Big heart young man
— hashim amla (@amlahash) November 7, 2016
The Proteas have Morne Morkel in the squad and he should regain his fitness for the second Test. Morkel, along with Vernon Philander, should share the bulk of the load as they are the senior bowlers and allow the Proteas to use Rabada the way he should be – as a strike weapon.
The Johannesburg pacer has a long road ahead of him and there is no limit to what he can achieve as a fast bowler. Rabada needs to be given time to realise his potential and develop his bowling.
It is said a genuine fast bowler has only a certain number of deliveries in his body. South Africa must use them judiciously.
He is as good as anyone around at the moment @KagisoRabada25 .. Great to see someone make an incredibly difficult art look so easy .. #WACA
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 7, 2016
