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HomeAustralia CricketPLAYER RATINGS: Kagiso Rabada to move to rugby?!

PLAYER RATINGS: Kagiso Rabada to move to rugby?!

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Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey

How the ICC perceives the “shoulder barge” by Rabada on Smith

What a Test we just experienced!

What is a rugby or cricket Test? We saw a vicious, rugby like shoulder charge that knocked Steve Smith back 10 metres, nearly knocking him out cold. The ambulance had to come in, and the game was stopped for a little while to make sure Smith was alright. Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2019, the Springboks have a close eye on Kagiso Rabada after such a brutal hit…

… and this, ladies and gentlemen, is basically how the ICC portrayed the “shoulder nudge” incident which will cost the best Test bowler a spot in the final two Tests, and rob us of Kagiso v the Aussies take three at Cape Town. And for what, showing passion?

What about the band being asked to stop? Since when does culture, atmosphere and good vibes get frowned upon? Our society today is filled with snowflakes, and I hope cricket doesn’t go down the same path.

Yes, Kumar…

Anyway, here are my player ratings out of ten from South Africa’s magnificent series-leveling win in Port Elizabeth:

South Africa

Dean Elgar: The one, the only, Dean Elgar! Is there a top order batsman in world cricket that actually looks worse the longer he stays in?! All jokes aside, nearly 3,000 Test runs at 40.81 shows he is a fine Test opener. His gritty, tough first innings fifty was key for South Africa in terms of making the Australians work hard. A good effort. 7

Aiden Markram: A quiet Test for the youngster after his brilliant second innings century in Durban. However, he did provide us with a moment of delight in this Test, edging a dolly to Mitchell Marsh at first slip, who was too busy saying “f— you c—” and dropped it! 3

Hashim Amla: A good Test by the Hash. His partnership with Elgar in the first innings was key in blunting the Australian attack a little, and enabled AB de Villiers to go hard. He is past his best, but performances like this, in addition to his recent heroics against India on a very tough Johannesburg pitch shows he still has what it takes. 7

AB de Villiers: Genius, as his bat says. Yet again, AB delivered for the Proteas when they needed it, and his 126* was one of his finest innings yet. It was if he picked up a flat pitch from Australia, replaced the Port Elizabeth one, and batted on it. It is incredible to think he was batting on the same pitch as everyone else who had a much tougher time. All class, AB. 10

Check out brilliant AB in 2018! Genius…



Faf Du Plessis: A quiet game with the bat for skipper Du Plessis. However, his hugs and kisses for Kagiso Rabada (don’t we all want to kiss Kagiso) showcases his leadership and how he was able to get the Proteas firing from 1-0 down in the series. 4

Theunis de Bruyn: Hit the winning runs for South Africa but is yet to cement the number six spot. Whether he makes way for Temba Bavuma in the next Test remains to be seen. 4

Quinton de Kock: The man at the centre of the controversy. The man who could have very well ignited the fire in South Africa’s belly, after a very passive performance in the first Test. With the bat, de Kock received a good ball from Nathan Lyon, and was pretty decent with the gloves, snapping a very good catch to get rid of Steve Smith in the second innings. 6

Vernon Philander: Super performance from the Vern. He was the bowler displaying the most control in a disappointing first session for South Africa on Day 1. He took 2/25 in 18 overs in the first innings, and while he wasn’t as effective in the second innings, it’s clear he’ll have a say in the series especially if we see typical South African pitches in the last two Tests. He also made a very handy 36 in the first innings. 7

Keshav Maharaj: Contributed with both bat and ball. Removed Steve Smith with a beauty in the second innings, after a whirlwind 30 with the bat, combining for a 58 run stand with AB de Villiers. 7

Kagiso Rabada: WOW. What a performance by this star. He tore the Australians apart with truly amazing bowling in both innings, finishing with 11 wickets. So disappointed he will miss the rest of the series. 10

Lungi Ngidi: The quiet achiever! Ngidi took five wickets in the Test, and justified the selectors’ decision to drop Morne Morkel in favour of him. 8

Australia

Cameron Bancroft: Fighting effort in both innings, including nearly getting through a tough first session where the ball was moving around. Disappointed not to get a big score. He should keep his place for the next Test. 6

David Warner: Another man at the centre of the controversy. He pushes harder at the ball than a rugby player pushes in a scrum, getting bowled in identical fashion twice. Scored a good 63 in the first innings. 7

Looks like Rabada wasn’t the only one screaming….


Usman Khawaja: Batting spot was seemingly on the line before the second innings and responded with a good 75, that gave Australia a sniff at getting a lead over 150. Also should keep his spot for the next Test. 7

Steve Smith: I can’t remember the last time Steve Smith and Australia played on a pitch with such assistance for the seam bowlers in particular. The Aussie captain struggled, and his average continues to take a huge hit. Almost as big as the hit he copped by Rabada…. 5

Proud of this article… you should check it out!

Shaun Marsh: Quiet Test for Shaun, dismissed on both inside and outside edge from Kagiso Rabada. 4

Mitch Marsh: Swore Played pretty well considering he was down with illness early in the Test. Threatened to knock South Africa cheaply in the first innings with two quick wickets in the first innings, but wasn’t to be. Also showed good form in his second innings 45. 7

Tim Paine: Steady with the bat, making two starts (including a not out), and steady with the gloves. 7

Patrick Cummins: Bowled well in this Test without the rewards he perhaps deserved. Australia will be also hoping for a bit more with the bat as he can bat really well. 6

Mitchell Starc: It was all about Rabada v Starc in conditions expected to reverse, and Starc was the clear loser after picking up man of the match in Durban. 4

Nathan Lyon: Bowled pretty well, asking questions in the first innings. However, have to say he was outbowled by Keshav Maharaj. Not a bad return, though. 6

Josh Hazlewood: Little more expensive than usual, with three wickets at over 40 a piece. Challenging game for Josh. 5

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A fiesty, competitive Test that has had its consequences. With Rabada seemingly gone, it remains to be seen whether Australia take advantage. For now, it’s 1-1 and all to play for.
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Charbel Coorey
Charbel Cooreyhttps://cricblog.net
Charbel is the owner & founder of cricblog.net, based in Sydney, Australia. He started the website to fulfill his love for the game of cricket. Charbel has been featured on other publications including OP India, Times of India, and The Roar, among others. He is also a keen fantasy sports player. Charbel has also had the privilege of interviewing cricketers on the CricBlog TV YouTube channel, including James Neesham, Rassie van der Dussen, Andrew Tye, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat and Saurabh Netravalkar: https://www.youtube.com/@cricblogtv For any story tips or questions, you can contact Charbel at charbelcoorey@cricblog.net.

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