Ahead of the Guwahati Test, India released Shubman Gill. The Indian captain not being available for the second Test is indeed a very big blow. However, Shubman isn't the only one; South Africa has also lost one of their key pacers, which is a cause for concern for the Proteas. Kagiso Rabada was struggling with issues regarding fitness even before the series kicked off. Confirmation arrived on Friday that he would miss the Guwahati Test owing to a rib injury.
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Rabada did not play in the first Test in Kolkata either, and now he will again be unavailable for the second and final Test in Guwahati. News of Rabada's absence from the second Test was confirmed by South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma.
Rabada had been injured even before this series and did not participate in any practice sessions ahead of the Kolkata Test. Though hopes were high that he might feature in Guwahati, Bavuma confirmed on Friday that Rabada will not play, ending all speculation over his availability. "Kagiso has been ruled out of the second Test as well," said Bavuma.
Who will replace Rabada in Guwahati?
South Africa has retained Lungi Ngidi in the standbys as Rabada’s backup. Many believe that if the pitch remains pacer-friendly, Ngidi could cut into the playing XI.
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Proteas captain on the Guwahati Pitch
Bavuma said the Guwahati pitch is very similar to an Asian subcontinent track. There could be some assistance for batsmen in the first two days, he felt, with spinners able to get some purchase later on. “The wicket looks quite new and, compared to Kolkata, is more consistent in terms of behaviour. We will assess in the morning and decide who will replace Kagiso. Overall, it’s an ideal subcontinental wicket.”
South Africa leads the series
South Africa won the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata by 30 runs. With that win, they are leading the two-match series by 1-0 and have an opportunity to clean sweep the series in Guwahati.
