South Africa provide official update on Kagiso Rabada’s availability for 2nd Test vs India

The South Africa National Cricket Team bowling coach, Piet Botha, has provided a colossal update on the fitness of the pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada ahead of the second Test match of the series against the India National Cricket Team.

South Africa National Cricket Team will lock horns with the India National Cricket Team in the second Test match in Guwahati and the game is scheduled to commence on November 22.

Kagiso Rabada missed out on selection in the first Test

Rabada is regarded as one of the best bowlers in the world at the moment, and he possesses the ability to decimate the opposition across any conditions.

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He was set to feature in the playing XI of the Proteas in the first Test against India at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, but he was ruled out of the game at the very last moment.

Actually, the right-arm quick picked up a rib injury in one of the training sessions of South Africa, and then he underwent several medical checks and assessments leading up to the match.

However, he was unable to clear the fitness tests and was ruled out of the all-important match. Kagiso Rabada's absence didn't affect South Africa as the likes of Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen got the job done in the bowling department and led their team to a stunning 30-run victory.

Kagiso Rabada still being monitored - South Africa bowling coach

It was reported after the Test series opener that the premier pacer Rabada was doubtful for the second match, and Cricket South Africa (CSA) added Lungi Ngidi to the squad as cover, with the star pacer linking up with the squad in Kolkata.

However, now the Proteas bowling coach has come up with a fresh update on Kagiso Rabada. Piet Botha stated that the 30-year-old is still being monitored by the medical team, and they will take the final decision on his availability for the second Test match within the next 24 hours.

"Kagiso Rabada still being monitored [rib injury]. We'll take a call on his participation in the next 24 hours," Piet Botha, South Africa's bowling coach, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

The wicket (in Guwahati) we are told is a good batting track - Piet Botha

Botha further talked about the pitch for the Guwahati Test, saying that he's heard that a good batting track will be laid out after an awful surface in the Kolkata Test.

"The wicket (in Guwahati) we are told is a good batting track. But a lot of difference happens in terms of whether you keep grass or not. With two days left we will have to wait to see whether it starts turning earlier," Piet Botha said, as quoted by PTI.

Botha also confirmed that the veteran spinner Simon Harmer has been cleared of any injury concerns and his shoulder is absolutely fine.

"No problems with Simon Harmer's shoulder. If ball starts turning as early as it did in Kolkata, he will be dangerous with so many left-handers in the line up," Piet Botha added.

Also Read: South Africa deliver official medical update on Simon Harmer