By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
In anticipation of the upcoming Test series against India, South Africa’s coach, Shukri Conrad, has provided a crucial update on the availability of key pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
The Proteas are keen on making a strong comeback in the Test format, following the setback of losing the One Day International (ODI) series to India.
The two tests are scheduled to take place in Centurion from December 26-30 and in Cape Town from January 3-7, 2024.
Rabada has been contending with a recent heel injury, while Ngidi has been recovering from an ankle issue. However, Conard expressed optimism about both pacers, affirming that they remain integral parts of the squad and are available for selection in the Boxing Day Test match on December 26.
“They are both here with us and that means they are available for selection as things stand,” Conrad told reporters.
“We have not called anybody in as a replacement and hopefully come the morning of the match we have 15 fit players to select from.”
Whether the duo play or not, it is likely Gerald Coetzee, the firebrand 23-year-old fast bowler who impressed in the 50-over World Cup in India that concluded last month, will get a run on what is likely to be a Centurion Park wicket with pace and bounce, regardless of his lack of test experience.
Coetzee took nine wickets in the two tests he has played so far, against West Indies earlier this year.
“He’s still a baby in test cricket,” Conrad said. “He’s been phenomenal every time he’s stepped onto the field, whether it be with the white ball in his hand or the red one. This is just going to be another step.
“He brings aggression, he brings something that we’ve always prided ourselves on as South Africans, which is pace.
“He brings all of those elements and hopefully through the experience he builds in the (T20) league’s and playing for South Africa with the white and red ball, in a couple of years’ time he can be leading our bowling attack.”
India are seeking a first test series win in South Africa and Conrad says his side are desperate to uphold their record of never having lost to the tourists on home soil.
“If it was possible to make this even bigger, then the fact that India have never won here does that,” he said. “We certainly want to hold on to that proud record and make sure that that doesn’t happen.
“There are so many matchups that this series hinges on. It’s two tests, so it’s a high pressured one. You go 1-0 down and you can’t win the series. You go 1-0 up, you can’t lose. It’s going to be like a heavyweight boxing bout.”