Rabada’s injury is a ‘blessing in disguise’, says Allan Donald

CANTERBURY: South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s back injury could yet prove to be a “blessing in disguise”, according to former Proteas paceman Allan Donald.

At 22, Rabada is on top of the ICC’S Test bowling rankings and a key figure in a South Africa pace attack that has been having to do without the sidelined Dale Steyn.

Rabada played a central role in South Africa’s recent 3-1 Test series win over Australia -- their first on home soil against the Australians since re-admission.

He was subsequently diagnosed with a lower-back stress reaction and ruled out of all cricket for up to three months by Proteas team management.

That meant Rabada could not take up a contract to play in IPL, where Delhi Daredevils bid $646,000 at the player auction.

But, with South Africa not involved in international action again until a tour of Sri Lanka in July featuring two Tests, five ODIS and a lone T20, Donald was glad Rabada had been forced into stepping off cricket’s treadmill.

“What happened to Rabada is probably a blessing in disguise because the bloke is knackered -he just didn’t look like he had anything in him in that last innings in Joburg,” said Donald.

“I mean that in a very nice way with his injury as he can have time to rest because at the moment he’s not getting any of that,” added Donald, now assistant coach of Kent.