South Africa is going through an injury crisis, and Kagiso Rabada is at the centre of it. Now, the former Australian captain Michael Clarke has weighed in on the chances of Rabada taking the field for the first test against the Aussies.
What Did Michael Clarke Say About Kagiso Rabada?
Clarke, appearing on his “Beyond23 Cricket Podcast”, explained how the Proteas wouldn’t rush Rabada onto the park out of desperation. Not even playing him for the first test.
What about playing the pace bowler in the second test? That depends on the first test’s result.
“They’re going to be tough. I think he (Kagiso Rabada) does increase their confidence toward even being in the squad,” Clarke said. “I don’t think he plays the first Test. I think they brought him in thinking, ideally, he’s good for Test two. Test three.
“Worst case, he (Kagiso Rabada) plays one, and that’ll be obviously decided on his fitness. But also, they win the first Test, they might be able to hold him back. Not risk him for the second. But now I think he’s a superstar. And you want to see him on the park.”
By holding Rabada back for the first Test, South African management buys precious time. Building his bowling loads in the nets. Ensuring that when he finally takes the ball, he can bowl at full throttle without restriction.
A win in Durban gives management the luxury to exercise maximum caution. Keeping Rabada on ice for the second test and unleashing a fully fit superstar in the final test at Cape Town.
“I just think South Africa is full of confidence at the moment. I think they know their brand of cricket,” Clarke added. “I reckon the last, let’s say, 3 or 4 years they’ve been there, they’ve played great cricket, certainly in the test format.
“They’ve got that good, good mix of experience and youth with some, some superstar players. Lead well. Captain, very well tactically, and again, I think, I think conditions are going to favour them.”
Interestingly, it’ll be 641 days since South Africa played a red ball match at home when the first test kicks off this coming Friday.
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