South Africa’s legendary all-rounder Shaun Pollock seems tremendously optimistic about the rising fast bowling sensation Kagiso Rabada’s future at the international level.
The 21-year-old has shown great promise ever since making a successful transition from the Under-19 level to the senior level.
His maturity combined with highly impressive shows from time to time has made many believe that South Africa has found its next bowling spearhead.
“He’s been a real find for us and he has definitely matured into his role at international level,” speaking with Sky Sports.
“If he continues to develop at the same rate in all formats he could become the complete bowler for South Africa.
Rabada is currently in England preparing of a long UK tour, which consists of a three-match ODI series and a four-match Test series against the hosts. The tour is split into two halves with the Champions Trophy taking place in between starting from the next month.
With Dale Steyn injured and set to miss the entire tour to the UK, the Proteas Rabada will lead the lead bowling attack in both white and red ball cricket. Kagiso Rabada, at the moment, is the best fast bowler South Africa possess and seems perfectly ready to fill veteran Dale Steyn’s boots. A glance at his record across formats at the international level speaks for his effectiveness.
In the near future, the bowling workload is definitely expected to fall on Rabada with the two superstars – Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel already showing signs of ageing and looking more vulnerable to injuries.
The UK tour will be a huge learning curve for the youngster. Success is highly anticipated from him considering his past performances against Australia in Australia.
Pollock, too, eagerly waiting for Rababa to play in England, especially in the Test format where he will bowling tandem with Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel.
“He’s still very young and has so much time ahead of him – I think we tend to forget that about him – but I’m really looking forward to seeing how he goes in England, in particular with the Duke ball.”
“Any fast bowler with the energy to bowl consistently at 140km/h-plus (87mph) is a useful component of any side but he’s now got a little experience of playing county cricket behind him after last summer’s spell at Kent so he’ll have a better understanding of the conditions.
“For a young man, he’s already had to shoulder an awful lot of responsibility when an injury has affected Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
“With Steyn ruled out of the tour and Kyle Abbott no longer available, it’s important that Rabada does well and he, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander make a very decent trio.”
The upcoming ODI leg of the UK tour, which begins on May 24, will serve as a good platform for South Africa ahead of the Champions Trophy.
AB de Villiers and his men have already declared winning intentions and it will be exciting to see how the next few week pans out for one of the strongest limited overs side of the world.