At 20, Kagiso Rabada is undoubtedly South African cricket’s star for the future, a position once held by Marchant de Lange, who, though still just 24, describes himself as “not that young anymore”.
The pair are in that unusual – some may say frustrating position – of being in the reserves, awaiting their chance while the starting players continue to provide peak performances that don’t merit demotion.
Where once there was concern about South Africa’s fast bowling stocks, that is less so the case these days. In Kyle Abbott, Rabada, De Lange, Hardus Viljoen, Chris Morris, even Wayne Parnell, Beuran Hendricks and Dane Paterson, the nation has plenty of talent, though none of them would class themselves in the same category as Dale Steyn, Morné Morkel and Vernon Philander – yet.
That depth will face greater scrutiny this summer. South Africa face arguably the most hectic season in the post-isolation era; with a lengthy 72-day tour to India, followed almost immediately by their hosting England.
Just three weeks separate the last Test against India in Delhi from the first against the English in Durban, presenting a test of stamina that even the experienced trio of Steyn, Philander and Morkel have rarely faced in their careers.
Rabada and De Lange know they must be ready. Both are aware of their position in the pecking order, though in the last 12 months they’ve probably swapped positions owing to Rabada’s stunning initial impact on the international circuit.
Remember, it was just four years ago that the then 21-year-old De Lange made such a memorable debut at Kingsmead against Sri Lanka picking up seven wickets in the first innings. He’s only added one Test since along with three One-Day Internationals and five T20s in a career that has been blighted by injury.
He comes into this season brimming with self-belief and optimism having had an injury-free off-season that included a reasonably successful stint in the Caribbean Premier League T20 competition. “The CPL was a good experience for me. I’ve been preparing well and I’m excited by the call-up to the national team.”
De Lange is alongside Rabada in South Africa’s T20 squad for a three-game series with India, hoping to re-establish himself at international level. “That is the goal, it has always been the goal to be a part of the national set up and to participate in all the big events – World Cups and Test series,” said De Lange.
He will have to wait his turn, though. There are others – Rabada being at the forefront currently – pushing for spots in the 50-over and Test teams. “I’m not bothered by the other players. Waiting for Morné, Dale… at this stage I’m on the brink and ready to be picked and to take that place if the opportunity presents itself.”
Rabada has adopted a similar attitude. “Marchant or Morry (Chris Morris) are not going to make me a better bowler. I want to be a better bowler because of me – I want to push my limits,” said Rabada, whose star has shone brightly this year. “I don’t look at someone and say ‘I need to work harder because he’s coming through.’ I want to do it because I want to get better myself.”
Breaking into the Test side for either De Lange or Rabada will be hard, acknowledged the national side’s bowling coach Charl Langeveldt, given the class of the top trio.
However, there is that schedule for everyone to consider – eight Tests in 12 weeks – which could lead to injury. “We have three seamers who have done well for a number of years but if an injury comes along you never know,” said Langeveldt. “What I want is to make sure that (Rabada) is prepared to play. I can’t control when he plays and neither can he but what we can do is be ready to play.”
And that will be a message Langeveldt takes to all the country’s quick bowlers over the coming weeks. There is so much cricket to be played this summer, that it would seem highly unlikely everyone that starts in India next month, will finish the season come the end of February. Therein lies hope for the likes of De Lange and Rabada, and they must be prepared to fulfil their duties.