Rabada has earned his spot in all cricket formats playing for the Proteas

Proteas bowling all-rounder Vernon Philander said something that left me confused during a recent interview.

He was excited about the return to full fitness of fellow fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morné Morkel.

What got me hot under the collar was when Philander said he’s glad to have the other two bowlers back and that the Proteas will be back to their best.

He relegated Kagiso Rabada to a supporting role. To me, he sounded like he was insinuating that when all four pace bowlers are fit, Rabada should be the one to make way. Excuse me?

That young kid has spearheaded the Proteas with aplomb since bursting into international cricket. Dropping him for any reason other than injury would be senseless.

I hope coach Otis Gibson is not thinking along the same lines because if he were to do that he would be contributing to destroying Rabada’s career. Rabada has earned his spot in all the formats. Dropping him is out of question. As things stand, Rabada and Philander are ahead of Steyn and Morkel in the pecking order.

Steyn and Morkel need to prove themselves by taking wickets in firstclass cricket. Rabada needs to keep improving his cricket all round.

I’m glad that his batting is also improving in leaps and bounds. Modern cricket demands all 11 players to be all-rounders of some sort. Richardson Mzaidume

Pimville