Bavuma backs Rabada to provide 'massive boost' for must win Test

South Africa’s Temba Bavuma has backed Kagiso Rabada to have a big impact should he be selected to make his Test return.

The fast bowler missed the First Test after suffering a right hamstring injury in August.

But the 31-year-old is available for selection and appears likely to be named in the starting XI for South Africa for the Second Test in Gqeberha as the Proteas look to avoid a series defeat.

With his looming return and stellar record against Australia, which saw him named Player of the Series the last time Australia toured South Africa in 2018, the captain believes he provides a major boost to the side’s confidence.

“I mean KG (Kagiso) has been around, but now to have him on the field, that'll be a massive boost within our bowling attack,” Bavuma told SEN Cricket.

“But also him as a leader, the guys will feed off his confidence.

“I believe he's a natural leader and I think obviously also the success that he's had against Australia, that's something that he'll be feeding off and looking to replicate in terms of performances.”

In that 2018 series, Rabada averaged 19.26 with the ball having taken 23 wickets across the four tests.

Beyond that series, the right arm quick has taken 58 wickets in the 11 Tests he has played against Australia going at an average of 21.39.

Australia will look to claim the series when they begin the Second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on Sunday night.

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