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South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada is set to script history in the upcoming two-Test series against India, starting on November 14. Rabada needs four more wickets at Eden Gardens to enter list of top five wicket-takers in India-South Africa Test cricket history.
Currently, Rabada is in the eighth position, just behind Ravichandran Ashwin and Allan Donald who have 57 wickets each from 14 and 11 Tests respectively. The fifth spot is occupied by India's current fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel who has 58 wickets from 17 Tests.
Rabada has a good record against India, taking 55 wickets from 14 Tests. He also has a chance to become the top wicket-taker as a pacer in the Test history of the two nations.
Steyn, Srinath’s stellar numbers
Former Protea pacer Dale Steyn has 65 wickets from just 14 Tests against India, featuring five fifers, equal to Ashwin's tally. He is followed by India's Javagal Srinath with 64 wickets from 13 Tests, featuring four fifers.
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Rabada can go past Harbhajan but not Kumble
Among spinners, Rabada can surpass Harbhajan Singh as well. The former off-spinner has 60 wickets from 11 Tests against South Africa, including four fifers. However, the senior South African pacer will not be able to break Anil Kumble's record. Kumble has 84 wickets from 21 Tests against South Africa.
Rabada’s dull Test record in India
Rabada was not as effective with the ball in Pakistan, claiming four wickets from two Tests, one in each innings. The 30-year-old does not boast of a good record on Indian soil. From six tests, he has nine wickets at an underwhelming average of 44.
Kolkata pitch report a good sign for Rabada
However, the Johannesburg-born pacer will be pleased to hear that the pitch at Eden Gardens is not going to be a rank turner. It is expected to have assistance for pacers. Also, reverse swing will come into play at the venue. These are promising indicators for the Protea pacer.
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