Kagiso Rabada has been tasked with chasing wickets for South Africa, which he accomplished on the opening day of their two-Test series against India at Centurion on Tuesday.
The new-ball bowler delivered remarkable figures of five for 44 in 17 overs, reducing India to 208 for eight when play was halted after South Africa won the toss.
It was Rabada’s 14th five-wicket haul in his 61st Test, his fourth in eight Centurion Tests, but his first against India.
“Temba [captain Bavuma] goes with his gut feel as to what the best way to get a wicket is and there is always that expectation on me,” Rabada told the media.
“It’s my job, and I only want to take wickets.” It’s not a difficult load for me.
“I was pleased with how I bowled.”
“On any pitch, I try to just put the ball in the right area over and over again, but you can bowl in the right area and not be very successful.”
“Today was my special day.
“I’ve been very focused in my training, and the ball has been coming out nicely; both my body and mind have felt good.” So I went into the Test feeling fairly confident.
“India has a strong batting lineup, and we would have taken 208 for eight before the game started if we had sent them in to bat.” That makes us happy.”
While South Africa’s left-arm fast Nandre Burger had an auspicious start with two for 50 in 15 overs, the rest of the South African seamers lacked consistency, and India was also pleased with their position.
Wicketkeeper Lokesh Rahul batted well for 70 not out, making the most of the difficult batting circumstances with 10 fours and two sixes.
“KL (Rahul) was doing what he always does,” said Vikram Rathore, India’s batting coach.
“Whenever we are in a difficult situation, he is the one who handles it very well.” He had a well-defined game strategy and guarded the correct balls.
“Having been under the covers for a day or more, it was always going to be a challenging surface, and the weather to help the bowlers was also there.”
“We would love to have more wickets in hand, but we have runs on the board and we have done reasonably well.”