Johannesburg. South African cricket team captain Temba Bavuma is hopeful that the team’s main fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will be fit before the second Test match against Australia. Captain Temba Bavuma said that Rabada is already looking fine. This match of the three-match series will be played from 18 to 22 October at St. George’s Park in Gakebarha. After losing the first Test by 214 runs, it is very important for the African team to make a comeback in the match, because they will make every possible effort to make a comeback in the series.
Rabada, the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC), was not included in the playing eleven due to injury in the first Test. Captain Bavuma said that this decision was taken purely as a precaution, so that he could get a few extra days to improve his fitness. It is noteworthy that this match to be held in Gkebarha is very important for South Africa. The crushing defeat in the first Test had raised questions on the team’s strategies but Rabada’s return is expected to give a new edge to their bowling attack. Rabada has been struggling with fitness in the last one year. According to statistics, he played his last Test match for South Africa against Pakistan last year. Additionally, he also played in the T20 League (IPL) final in May this year, which indicates his match fitness. He has always been effective in the matches against Australia, and he has also taken five-wicket hauls for the team on important occasions in the past, which shows his ability.
If Rabada returns, the biggest question that arises is which player will be dropped. In the first Test, South Africa fielded two specialist fast bowlers – Marco Jansen and Anrich Norkhia. Along with him, fast bowling all-rounder Vian Mulder was also a part of the team. Both Mulder and Yanson have the ability to make useful contributions with the bat as well, almost ensuring their places in the team. In such a situation, the possibility of Anrich Norkhia being out seems most likely, as the team needs a specialist fast bowler who can handle the charge with the new ball along with Rabada. Another option could be to drop out spinner Simon Harmer. Harmer had taken one wicket each in both innings of the first Test, but if the pitch at Gkebarha suits the fast bowlers, an additional specialist fast bowler may be preferred. With this decision, the team management will face the challenge of balancing, but giving a chance to an experienced and wicket-taking bowler like Rabada will be their first priority.
