Ahead of the second Test of the two-match Test series against Team India, South Africa`s bowling coach Piet Botha said that the decision on lead pacer Kagiso Rabada`s availability will be taken on the previous day of the game.
Earlier, the pacer missed out on the series opener as he sustained a rib injury during the practice session. He also didn`t show up for the practice session on November 20.
Providing an update on his fitness, the bowling coach said that he is being monitored by the medical team, but the decision on his availability will require more time.
“Rabada is still being monitored by our medical staff. It obviously wasn`t in practise today, but they`ll make a call in the next 24 hours,” he said.
On the other hand, Team India`s skipper Shubman Gill is also unlikely to feature in the Guwahati clash. During the first match, he was seen experiencing discomfort in his neck, which forced him to walk off the field mid-match.
There are higher chances of him missing out on the crucial game. In case he misses out, Rishabh Pant will likely take over the leadership duties of the Indian pack.
There are speculations that Team India`s think tank will likely bring in left-handed batsman Sai Sudharsan to fill in Gill`s absence.
So far, Sudharsan has played just five Test matches and has scored 273 runs, with a top score of 87. He also has two half-centuries to his name in the format.
Speaking about the Guwahati wicket, Botha said it`s too early to judge the pitch, noting that conditions may change depending on how much grass is removed. He added that it usually starts as a good batting surface before offering spin later, though it could turn earlier like the previous Test.
“As far as the pitch is concerned, obviously I had a look at it this morning. It`s still two days out, so it`s difficult to predict if they`re going to actually cut more grass off or not. That will obviously make a difference.But what we heard is that it tends to be a good batting wicket up front, and here comes a spinning wicket later on in the game. But we`ll have to wait and see. Maybe it spins earlier, like the previous test turned out to be,” the South Africa coach said.
(With ANI Inputs)
