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What Makes Kagiso Rabada So Quick? Legendary Allan Donald Explains

image-lqw2p4emKagiso Rabada has 287 Test wickets from 61 Tests [AP Photo]

South Africa is a nation that has produced fast bowlers who have mesmerised the cricketing world. 

Right from Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, and Morne Morkel to now Ragiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have taken South Africa's speed reserves to newer heights.

Rabada, in particular, has been one of the brightest bowlers in recent years, completing his 500th international wicket against India in the first Test at Centurion last week, where the bowler claimed his 14th five-wicket haul in red-ball cricket.

Former Proteas legend Donald has highlighted the strong points in Rabada's bowling, that make the bowler unlike his peers, and former greats of the game.

As quoted by Mykhel, Donald also known as 'White-Lightening', stated that Rabada's bowling action, which has a hint of a 'Javelin-Thrower' ability, makes the 287-Test wicket-taker special.

 

Donald analyses Rabada's bowling action 

"KG (Rabada)'s hip rotation is similar to a javelin thrower's right-side release through the impact area. He knows his rhythm and action so well so technical point he is solid. He understands biomechanics as much as a Pat Cummins or a Mitchell Starc. All genuine quicks have got great hip and shoulder rotation and if you observe him technically, he gets in a fantastic position in the air."

The former Proteas seamer further gave examples of the West Indies greats like Curtley Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop and Michael Holding as he analysed Rabada's bowling action.

"Look at other greats like Ambrose, Walsh, Bishop, and Holding all these got off the floor to give them time to pull the trigger and that's what KG does beautifully. That hang time (off the ground) we talk about. Also if you see at the point of the backfoot strike, the hips are slightly closed and open up very very quickly. They don't spend too much time on the back. KG is very quick."

Rabada, who has taken 50 wickets against India in Tests for South Africa, will look to further increase his tally, when both sides meet in the second and final Test, starting from Wednesday, in Cape Town.