Global cricket needs pacy predators like Rabada and Milne to thrive

THE last time South Africa visited New Zealand for a full tour, their attack included the world’s premier fast bowler of the last decade.

It also had a new-ball bowler who seamed the red Kookaburra just enough to be chasing a record 50 Test wickets in only seven Tests and a giraffe-like paceman, who more than tickled the rib-cages of the opposition batsmen with the steep bounce he generated from even the most serene surfaces.

Combine that with the skill-set of arguably the game’s greatest all-rounder and it was easy to understand why local scribes were purring about the quality of the 2012 tourists to the Land of the Long White Cloud, with senior correspondents comparing them to the legendary West Indian quartet that enthralled cricket fans during the 1980s and early 90s.

Their status in the world game was confirmed later that year when Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Jacques Kallis beamed as Graeme Smith lifted the golden ICC mace handed to the World’s No 1 Test team at Lord’s.

Five years on, neither Steyn nor Morkel is available for the limited overs leg of the tour. Kallis, now retired, spends his time on the golf fairways.

Only Philander, who is shaking off the effects of a minor injury, is a confirmed participant in the three-match Test series that follows Friday’s one-off T20 international at Eden Park and five ODIs.

In recent times South Africa have progressed to the No 1 ODI ranking and still hold a highly-credible No 3 position on the Test rankings. Much of that has to do with the arrival, and continued rise, of a panther-like 21-year-old from Johannesburg.

Kagiso Rabada represents the present and future of South African cricket.

Rabada has moved ahead of Steyn on the ICC Test bowlers’ rankings, so the Kiwis, who have yet to see “KG” in action on their shores, will no doubt be similarly enthralled with the youngster’s searing pace, venomous bouncer and stamina.

“He is the real deal,” South Africa’s Test and T20 captain Faf du Plessis told the media contingent in Auckland.

“He’s someone who’s going to be, injury permitting, just as good as Dale and Morne. He’s going to be leading South Africa’s attack for a very long time. From a captain’s perspective, he’s a guy in all formats who has the skills to do whatever is required.

“If it is to keep the game quiet, he’s got the skill to do that; if it’s to shut the game down, his yorkers are fantastic. Bounce and pace he’s got, so it will be nice to see what he can do in these conditions.”

There is always great excitement when a new fast bowler arrives on the international circuit. The Kiwis will certainly appreciate that, having had a couple of rookie speedsters of their own in the past few years.

Unfortunately for them, as Du Plessis made reference to, the situation of “injury permitting” always has to be factored in when talking about young fast bowlers.

A case in point is Adam Milne. The Palmerston-North quickie burst onto the international scene as an 18-year-old back in 2010, but has only appeared sporadically for the Black Caps since, with his most consistent run coming during the 2015 World Cup where he clocked speeds in excess of 150km/h before breaking down just before the epic semi-final against South Africa.

Ironically, Milne is on the comeback trail yet again after recovering from ailments ranging from shin splints, to an elbow injury and side strain.

His Pretoria-born Central Districts coach Heinrich Malan believes the 24-year-old’s rehab programme should not be rushed. “He’s bowling nicely, has worked hard on his fitness, getting his bowling loads up,” said Malan “But it’s about looking after his wellbeing. .

“It’s not just bowling, but spending time on the park for four days. We believe that’s something Adam would benefit from and hopefully that falls in with plans from the Black Caps to get over that line.

It is not only the Black Caps who will be hoping Milne becomes a “force again” for having genuine fast bowlers like Rabada and the Kiwi express parading their skills like gladiators hunting down their prey, is not just an asset for their nations but for the global game as a whole. – Zaahier Adams