Is paceman Rabada ready to step up?

20 July 2015 - 02:02 By Chumani Bambani

The jury is still 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, confirmed his arrival in the Proteas team with an explosive debut in the lost three-game series against Bangladesh, returning figures of 6/16 on debut, including a hat-trick.His 14 wickets at the Under-19 World Cup last year helped South Africa to win the tournament.The question now is whether to throw him into the deep end on flat Bangladeshi wickets or to wait until he is in South Africa to hand him his Test debut."I think he's ready," said his coach at the Lions, Geoff Toyana."He performed well for us [Lions] in the [domestic] 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."There are those who are more cautious of Rabada."Test cricket is a different story," said Ray Jennings, who coached Rabada at the under-19 World Cup victory last year."He has done really well. His entrance into international cricket has been as good as any. 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 Dale Steyn, Morné Morkel and Vernon Philander, it would be difficult to find a spot for Rabada.If it was found, how should he be used in the Test side?"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 said. "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 Proteas bowling coach Allan Donald believes coach Russell Domingo has great 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."..

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