Australia assistant coach Matthew Wade has warned his side to expect a more aggressive South African attack if Kagiso Rabada returns for the second Test in Gqeberha, with the hosts seeking to level the series after a heavy defeat in Durban.
Rabada missed Australia’s 214-run victory in the first Test with a hamstring injury but is in contention for Sunday’s match at St George’s Park. His return would give South Africa another attacking option as they try to respond to their defeat in the series opener.
“The thing that stands out with him is his competitiveness,” Wade told reporters. “He takes it to the opposition, he’ll be in our face, he’ll keep coming for the whole Test match, so we really know that.”
Wade worked with Rabada in the Indian Premier League and said the fast bowler’s ability to maintain pressure could give South Africa more flexibility with their bowling combination.
South Africa used two specialist spinners in Durban but struggled to contain Australia. With Rabada potentially available alongside Anrich Nortje, the hosts could rely on short, attacking spells from their fast bowlers.
“They went with two spinners last time but … him and Nortje can basically take one quick spot and [do] short spells and really attack as hard if they want to,” Wade said.
Australia, meanwhile, are unlikely to have Cameron Green available for the second Test. The all-rounder missed the opener with an abdominal strain and has resumed batting in the nets, but Wade suggested the series finale in Cape Town was a more realistic target.
That could give Nic Maddinson another opportunity after he opened alongside Travis Head in Durban. Matt Renshaw’s performance in the middle order, with scores of 190 and 82, has also complicated Australia’s batting decisions.
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has urged selectors to stop frequently changing the batting order and allow players to settle into regular roles. Wade said the current squad were comfortable adapting when conditions demanded it.
“If the conditions tell us it’s time to change the batting order, we’ll make that change,” he said.
“We’ve seen over the last little bit that we’ve been able to adapt really quickly and more importantly the players take it on so easily, and credit to them.”
South Africa need a response in Gqeberha to keep the three-Test series alive, and Rabada’s potential return could provide a significant boost to their pace attack.
