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South Africa's bowling coach Piet Botha provided an update on the fitness of their two key players Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer ahead of the second Test against India which is is scheduled to kick off from November 22 at Guwahati's Barsapara Stadium.
No clear picture on Kagiso Rabada for 2nd Test vs India
Rabada was notably absent from the opening Test in Kolkata after sustaining a rib injury during a training session just before the match. Despite his absence, the remaining bowling unit, which included all-rounders Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Corbin Bosch, supported by spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj performed exceptionally. Their efforts contributed to South Africa's 30-run win over India, marking the team's first Test win in the country in over a decade.
However, right ahead of the series-deciding contest, Both has made it clear that there is no problem with Harmer's shoulder but didn't really give the clear picture on Rabada's availability.
"We are monitoring Kagiso Rabada and we will take a call in the next 24 hours," Botha said in the press conference.
Simon Harmer ready to roll his arms in Guwahati Test after injury scare
Meanwhile, on Harmer, he said that the off-spinner is fit and expected to be a handful for the opposition in the Guwahati Test as well. Harmer had an excellent outing in the previous Kolkata Test, where he picked up a total of eight wickets and was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match. Botha was quick to rule out any fitness or performance issues concerning the key spinner.
"No problems with Simon Harmer's shoulder. If ball starts turning as early as it did in Kolkata, he will be dangerous with so many left-handers in the line up," Botha added.
Botha also stated that he is currently unsure whether more grass will be removed from the playing surface. The pitch in Guwahati represents unchartered territory for both the Indian and South African teams, as this particular venue is set to host its very first international Test match.
"(We) had a look at it this morning. Still two days out, so it's difficult to predict if they're going to actually cut more grass or not. That will obviously make a difference. The wicket (in Guwahati) we are told is a good batting track. But a lot of difference happens in terms of whether you keep grass or not. With two days left we will have to wait to see whether it starts turning earlier," Botha concluded.
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