2021: South Africa’s Pacers for India Series

South Africa hasn’t been at their best over the last few years, following the retirement of several greats. Despite the loss of some superstars though, South Africa are in a good position with their pace attack. They will be without Anrich Nortje for the Test series, but South Africa still has a good set of pacers, and each provide a new dimension to the attack.

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada is the most recognizable member of the South African bowling attack, and has played 47 Tests at the young age of 26. He is easily the spearhead of the side, and his aggression, and attitude is what adds fire to South Africa’s bowling. Kagiso Rabada can bowl at high pace, and has a strong bouncer, and a pretty good yorker. He has recently developed a nice slower ball as well, and has had some nice battles with Virat Kohli, and Pujara in the past. Kagiso Rabada will also be chasing a milestone as he is nine wickets away from crossing Vernon Philander’s tally.

Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi made a strong start to his international career, when India visited in 2017. The last couple of years though has been tough for him. Frequent injuries and niggles has put Ngidi on the sidelines often, and even when fully fit, Ngidi struggles to find the rhythm to make himself a regular in all three formats. With his heigh, Ngidi can extract discomforting bounce, has a great wrist position, and decent pace. He isn’t as fast as the likes of Nortje or Rabada, but has enough to annoy a batter. Longer spells can be expected, as Ngidi tends to succeed when he finds his rhythm after bowling continuously.

Duanne Oliver

Duanne Oliver was once fighting for a spot with Dale Steyn, and was termed to be key member of the attack following Steyn’s retirement. Oliver however, signed a kolpak deal, and was one of the string of South African players who went to play in England. He is the first returnee among the group to be selected for Test Cricket in South Africa again. Back in the Test side, Oliver is now more experienced, and has some nice variety with an ability to bowl accurately in the full-length region, extracting decent movement. He has nice control over his bowling, and could help keep the runs down with an accurate line and length.

Marco Jensen

The last time India visited South Africa, Marco Jensen impressed Virat Kohli, and that helped him get a deal in the IPL earlier this year. He isn’t very experienced, but has the height, and could get the ball to bounce nicely. He is only 21 years, and could be the X-factor in the South African bowling line-up as he is an unknown quantity.

Beuran Hendricks

Beuran Hendricks is the fifth pacer in the side, and will mostly likely be used as injury cover. He has played one Test so far, but has loads of first-class experience. He can swing the ball nicely, doesn’t bowl too fast, but can control his line and length well to irritate the Indian batters.