Rabada was included in the squad for the four-Test series against hosts India without being expected to play, but an injury to Morne Morkel ahead of the first match saw the 20-year-old make his debut. He proceeded to play three Tests on the trot while fellow Proteas speedsters Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander sat out through injury.
In his three matches, Rabada claimed just two wickets at the cost of 111 runs for an unflattering bowling average of 55. Though the playing surfaces did not favour fast bowling at all, Rabada’s replacement fared much better.
The final Test saw Kyle Abbott replace Rabada in Delhi, where the Dolphins bowler toiled hard to return miserly figures of 5/40 and 1/47 on a pitch much better suited to spin. The Proteas would go on to lose the match comprehensively, and the series 3-0.
And on Saturday, Abbott retained his place ahead of Rabada. Before the India series, the speculation was that Rabada would be included in the squad simply for the learning experience. But with his early exposure, and rigorous examination of his resolve in trying conditions Rabada has certainly been given a good taste of Test cricket considering his age.
Now in South Africa on pitches tailor-made for the pacemen, the competition for places in the Proteas attack will be fierce with Morkel and Steyn both fit.
One thing that would have been in Abbott’s favour concerning his selection for the Durban Test, is that he is playing on his home ground and knows the conditions well. If Abbott turns in a good performance in Durban it may again deny Rabada the chance to get back in the team for the New Year’s Test in Cape Town.
With the Proteas squad set for a possible changeup after the second Test when Vernon Philander is set to return from injury, the way back into the team for Rabada may be even less likely.
Proteas management will also be wary about rushing Rabada back into the side, as the young talent clearly has a long future ahead of him leading the South African attack.
Source – African News Agency (ANA)
