KG’s injury could be ‘for the better’

DONALD: IT’S CRUCIAL THAT RABADA GETS SOME REST

Paceman sidelined by lower-back stress reaction.

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

At the age of just 22, Rabada is already on top of the International Cricket Council’s Test bowling rankings and a key figure in a pace attack that has been having to do without the injured 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.

Rabada was named Man-ofthe-Series after taking 23 wickets at an average of under 20 apiece, but he bowled only eight overs in Australia’s second innings in the final Test in Johannesburg last month.

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

That meant Rabada could not take up a contract to play in the IPL where the Delhi Daredevils had bid $646 000 for his services at January’s player auction.

But with South Africa not involved in international action again until a tour of Sri Lanka in July featuring two Tests, five one-day internationals and a lone Twenty20, Donald was glad Rabada had been forced into stepping off cricket’s treadmill.

“I think what happened to Rabada is probably a blessing in disguise because he is knackered – he just didn’t look like he had anything in him in that last innings in Joburg,” Donald told

“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 the assistant coach of English county Kent.

Since making his debut three years ago, Rabada has already played 30 Tests, taking 143 wickets at an average of 21.59 – figures that stand comparison with those of all-time fast-bowling greats.

“He’s our front-man at the moment – he is just an absolute gift,” insisted Donald.

“He’s the best young fast bowler going around right now.” –

Picture: Getty Images Petra Martic of Croatia returns a shot to Caroline Garcia of France during their second round match at the Madrid Open at the Caja Magica yesterday. Garcia won 6-3, 7-5.