Manchester 26 August : South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has supported the captain Dean Elgar’s decision of batting first in the second Test at Old Trafford despite the visitors being bowled out for 151 on day one.The first Test was won at Lord’s by an innings and 12 in three days, Elgar chose to bat first after winning the toss in the second Test despite the bowler-friendly, cloudy conditions.It seemed to backfire immediately when the Proteas were bowled out for 151, with Rabada top-scoring with 36.He was ranked at nine.
“Generally If you’re playing two spinners you’ll be batting first.As you can see, the wicket is getting dryer and dryer by the second.It’s day one, and it’s extremely dry and very slow.Simon (Harmer) was in the game.”
“His second ball was roosted somewhat.So I believe it was the correct choice (to bat first) We played two spinners with reasons, knowing that it’s possible to get very dry in the desert.It’s just the way it is.” said Rabada when the first day was over.
To accommodate off-spinner Harmer, South Africa left out left-arm pace all-rounder Marco Jansen at Old Trafford.Jansen had taken four wickets and scored a crucial 48 with the bat in the first Test at Lord’s.
“The selection problems were that we had to choose two spinners.But Marco is a fascinating talent.He is a batsman.We’ve seen what he can do with the ball.He has plenty of x-factor.Unfortunately, he had to be cut.It was a team decision.It was not based on his performance.”
“Simon is a top-quality bowler, particularly in the County Championship.He has proved that.
If you were to choose Marco’s (Marco’s) replacement one, it’s a good one.Marco has an extended career ahead of him and he will play lots of games.He will not be a problem with the rest.He will be playing more in the coming many years to come,” concluded Rabada.
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