Kagiso Rabada officially ruled out of 2nd Test against India
South Africa's star pacer Kagiso Rabada has been officially ruled out of the second Test match against India, starting Saturday in Guwahati. The decision comes as he has not fully recovered from a rib bone stress injury that had kept him out of the series opener in Kolkata. Cricket South Africa confirmed this development on Friday morning. Here are further details.
Rabada's ongoing discomfort prompts withdrawal
The Proteas medical team has been closely monitoring Rabada's injury. However, due to persistent discomfort in the affected area, he has been withdrawn from the rest of the tour. "He will continue the initial phase of his four-week rehabilitation program with the Proteas medical team before returning to South Africa at the conclusion of the second Test," Cricket South Africa said in its statement.
Rabada's absence affects South Africa's bowling lineup
Rabada's absence from the second Test will also rule him out of the subsequent white-ball series in India. He had not bowled since injuring himself during a training session last Tuesday in Kolkata and did not train on Wednesday in Guwahati. Simon Harmer was South Africa's bowling star with an eight-wicket match haul in Kolkata, while Keshav Maharaj was the second spinner.
Bavuma confirms Rabada's exclusion and discusses pitch conditions
Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma confirmed Rabada's exclusion from the second Test. He noted that the Guwahati track looked like a typical sub-continental wicket, good for batting in the first two days before spinners come into play. "This wicket looks a lot fresher and will be more consistent in terms of variability compared to Kolkata," Bavuma said.