The jury is out on whether Kagiso Rabada, the level-headed Proteas speedster, should be roped into the Test series against Bangladesh, starting tomorrow, after his heroics in the One-Day Internationals.
Rabada, 20, has confirmed his status as a potential match-winner with an explosive debut in the lost three-game series against the Bangladeshis, returning figures of 6-16 on debut, which included a hat-trick, and breaking a litany of records in the process.
The question is whether the St Stithians old boy is ready for Test matches.
In addition to breaking Makhaya Ntini’s 2006 figures in ODIs on his debut, Rabada is the proud owner of the domestic first-class figures record as well, which he took from one Dale Steyn, having taken 9-33 in a franchise match for the Lions last summer.
Should he be thrown into the deep end on flat Bangladeshi wickets or wait until he is in South Africa to hand him his Test debut?
“I think he’s ready,” his provincial coach at the Lions, Geoff Toyana, believes. “He performed well for us in the four-day competition.
“He has troubled the top order of Bangladesh. I don’t think it would be a bad decision to bring him in now. They know he is dangerous.”
However, there are those who are more cautious of Rabada’s introduction to Test matches.
“Test cricket is a different story,” said former South African wicket- keeper Ray Jennings, who coached Rabada during the U19 World Cup victory last year.
“He is a young guy who has done really well. His entrance to international cricket has been as good as any,” said Jennings.
“One cannot judge a player after only three games. He needs to play at least 10 before we can have a proper assessment. One thing’s for sure – he’s definitely made an impact already.
“I would certainly give him a chance, without the expectation of him to lead the attack and win matches for the team.”
With the Proteas still boasting a lethal bowling attack in Steyn, Morné Morkel and Vernon Philander, it would be difficult to find a spot for Rabada.
“You can’t expect him to go in and lead the pack when you have guys like Morkel and Steyn. Those are the guys who will need to lead and give him confidence and encouragement,” Jennings believes.
“He would definitely bring in more excitement to the attack – maybe have one without Philander and use Rabada as the first change. I think he’s ready.”
Former Test bowler and ex-Proteas bowling coach Allan Donald believes coach Russell Domingo is in a good position with the options with the bowlers at his disposal.
“I’m just glad I’m not the one who has to make the decision because it is a difficult one to make,” said Donald.
“If he plays, it would be interesting to see how he does with the new ball. But we have a really special trio currently doing the job.
“For now I would make him the first change – give him time to settle in, and once he’s used to things he can take the new ball,” Donald added.
Rabada offers SA options
Rabada, 20, has confirmed his status as a potential match-winner with an explosive debut in the lost three-game series against the Bangladeshis, returning figures of 6-16 on debut, which included a hat-trick, and breaking a litany of records in the process.
The question is whether the St Stithians old boy is ready for Test matches.
In addition to breaking Makhaya Ntini’s 2006 figures in ODIs on his debut, Rabada is the proud owner of the domestic first-class figures record as well, which he took from one Dale Steyn, having taken 9-33 in a franchise match for the Lions last summer.
Should he be thrown into the deep end on flat Bangladeshi wickets or wait until he is in South Africa to hand him his Test debut?
“I think he’s ready,” his provincial coach at the Lions, Geoff Toyana, believes. “He performed well for us in the four-day competition.
“He has troubled the top order of Bangladesh. I don’t think it would be a bad decision to bring him in now. They know he is dangerous.”
However, there are those who are more cautious of Rabada’s introduction to Test matches.
“Test cricket is a different story,” said former South African wicket- keeper Ray Jennings, who coached Rabada during the U19 World Cup victory last year.
“He is a young guy who has done really well. His entrance to international cricket has been as good as any,” said Jennings.
“One cannot judge a player after only three games. He needs to play at least 10 before we can have a proper assessment. One thing’s for sure – he’s definitely made an impact already.
“I would certainly give him a chance, without the expectation of him to lead the attack and win matches for the team.”
With the Proteas still boasting a lethal bowling attack in Steyn, Morné Morkel and Vernon Philander, it would be difficult to find a spot for Rabada.
“You can’t expect him to go in and lead the pack when you have guys like Morkel and Steyn. Those are the guys who will need to lead and give him confidence and encouragement,” Jennings believes.
“He would definitely bring in more excitement to the attack – maybe have one without Philander and use Rabada as the first change. I think he’s ready.”
Former Test bowler and ex-Proteas bowling coach Allan Donald believes coach Russell Domingo is in a good position with the options with the bowlers at his disposal.
“I’m just glad I’m not the one who has to make the decision because it is a difficult one to make,” said Donald.
“If he plays, it would be interesting to see how he does with the new ball. But we have a really special trio currently doing the job.
“For now I would make him the first change – give him time to settle in, and once he’s used to things he can take the new ball,” Donald added.
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