NEW DELHI: South Africa suffered a major setback ahead of the second Test in Guwahati, as frontline pacer Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the match. Rabada is yet to fully recover from the rib injury he picked up during a training session before the opening Test, and the team management has decided not to risk him for the series finale.
"Kagiso has been ruled out of the second Test," said Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma while giving an update on the pacer, who also missed the first Test in Kolkata, which the visitors won by 30 runs.
Bavuma noted that the surface in Guwahati appeared to be a traditional sub-continental pitch - good for batting in the first few days before gradually turning in favour of the spinners as the match progresses.
"This wicket looks a lot fresher and will be more consistent in terms of variability compared to Kolkata. We will have another look in the morning and decide on Kagiso's replacement," the skipper opined.
"This is a typical sub-continental wicket with the first two days good for batting before spinners come into play."
Guwahati is hosting a Test match for the first time and the pitch at the Barsapara Stadium is an uncharted territory for both teams.
