Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is just nine wickets away from joining the elite 300-wicket club, and he has a chance to reach this milestone in the West Indies. The South African Test team is preparing to face the West Indies in a two-Test series across Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
Rabada, who has been the leader of the South African pace attack following the retirements of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, and Morne Morkel, has taken 291 Test wickets at an average of 22.1 in 62 matches. He is poised to achieve the 300-wicket milestone during the series against the Windies.
The 29-year-old bowler acknowledges that reaching 300 wickets would be a significant achievement but emphasises that his primary focus is on contributing to his team’s success.
“It will be a special landmark, but I’m not focused on that,” Rabada told ESPNCricinfo. “It will be a by-product of my performance. My focus is on ensuring that I’m there for the team and finding a way to deliver results. A strong performance means the team is moving in the right direction, and I’m fulfilling my role.”
As Rabada approaches this milestone, IOL Sport reflects on other great South African fast bowlers who have reached or surpassed 300 Test wickets:
- Dale Steyn, widely regarded as one of the greatest South African fast bowlers, is the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket for South Africa. Known as “The Steyn Remover,” he retired with 439 wickets in 93 matches.
- Morne Morkel amassed 309 wickets at an average of 27.7 in 86 matches for South Africa. Since his retirement, Morkel has transitioned into coaching.
- Makhaya Ntini, the first black player to represent South Africa, took 390 wickets at an average of 28.8 in 101 matches before retiring in 2011. His contributions have left a lasting impact on South African cricket.
- Allan Donald retired with 330 wickets at an average of 22.2 in 62 matches. Since retiring, Donald has pursued a career in coaching, including stints with the Bangladesh cricket team.