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The momentum of a convincing victory in the first test, as well as the focus on future assignments, have led the Proteas to not select Kagiso rabada for the second and final Test against Sri Lanka starting from Wanderers on Sunday.
Despite the South African bowling kingpin returning to the team earlier this week after recovering from a kidnapper problem, the fast 25-year-old is still riding ahead of the series against Pakistan and Australia.
“Kagiso will not be considered for the selection of this test,” confirmed a team spokesman on Saturday.
An important consideration has been Rabada’s conditioning, specifically her bowling workload for the past month.
“The coaches are very happy with his progress, but in terms of his workload, they would like to make sure he is in the right space to fully compete for Pakistan and Australia.”
“Did not play”.
South Africa’s inexperienced attack initially struggled to prevail on the first day of the first Test at Centurion, notably conceding 340 runs before rookies Lutho Sipamla and Wiaan Mulder stepped into the fray to play starring roles in a one-inning win and 45 races.
As a result, the battle in the Plaza de Toros represents an ideal opportunity for the Proteas to give them more experience and consequently build depth.
“Our bowling, particularly in the second inning (at Centurion), showed massive improvement,” said starter and senior player Dean Elgar.
“If we start well with the ball, we will put pressure on Sri Lanka, especially the Wanderers, where there is some assist.”
The game will start at 10:00.
