Fearless Rabada is top of the world
Rabada is expected to lead the pack when the Proteas battle India in Centurion this weekend.
Proteas quickie Kagiso Rabada is the best test bowler in the world according to the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings.
The 22-year-old overtook England’s James Anderson to the top for the first time in his career after helping the Proteas beat India by 72 runs at Newlands, Cape Town on Monday.
Rabada now leads the Englishman (Anderson) by one point and could open the gap should he take wickets in the next two Tests against India this month.
He is the seventh South African to top the Test bowling rankings after Aubrey Faulkner, Hugh Tayfield, Peter Pollock, Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.
Rabada, who made his debut in November 2015, has taken 110 wickets in just 24 Tests boasting an average of 22.6.
Rabada took scalps to assist star bowler Vernon Philander – 9 for 75 – to help SA crush India on day four.
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Rabada made his name at the 2014 U/19 Cricket World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2014 when he bagged six wickets to seal SA’s spot in the final. That performance led to him being dubbed “the fastest and most feared bowler in the competition”.
He made his ODI debut for SA against Bangladesh on 10 July 2015 with the best figures of 6/16 including a hat-trick.
Last year, Rabada rose to best bowler in ODIs following his haul of 4 for 39 against England ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
With the declining of Dale Steyn and injuries to key bowlers such as Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, the young fast bowler has taken the role of the leading bowler for the past two years.
The young Johannesburg bowler has been a go-to man whenever the Proteas needed a wicket.
Speaking to Cricket SA on Tuesday, the young speedster said he was delighted to be on top.
“It’s special to be ranked as the No1 Test bowler in the world. It is a surreal feeling. It’s what you dream of achieving when you start playing the game.
Cricket is ultimately a team sport and I’m thankful for the support from my teammates. It’s a great start to the year personally and for us as a team, hopefully, we can continue putting in winning performances,” he said.
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