Pat Cummins lauds Kagiso Rabada, says the South African has been setting fast bowling standards

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins was all praises for South African counterpart Kagiso Rabada, saying the youngster had set fast bowling standards. Rabada, just 23 years old, has been one of South Africa’s leading pacers even while greats Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel have been in the side. He had established himself as a potential leader of the Proteas daunting pace attack even before he turned 21.

During Australia’s infamous tour of South Africa earlier this year, Cummins and Rabada were involved in a close battle to top the bowling charts. In the four-match Test series, Rabada finished with 23 scalps, having won the race against Cummins by just one wicket.

The Australian, who last played a Test in April this year, has regained full fitness. As he gears up for the South Africa ODI series next month, the speedster is looking forward to resuming his rivalry with Rabada.

He lauded the Proteas’ young quick who’s been highly rated in international cricket for his overall performances. Speaking to cricket.com.au, Cummins said, “You always want to get one up on each other, but really you’re just worried about what you’re doing. He’s set the standard the last couple of years in fast bowling. You always pick up things watching the best do their stuff. We’re a similar age, similar bowling styles in that we’re trying to be attacking, bowl fast and aim to take those big wickets.” He has 64 wickets in 39 ODIs as compared to Rabada’s 86 in 54 ODIs.

Great to see Steyn back: Cummins

The Australian also has paid rich tributes to Dale Steyn who recently made a strong comeback to limited-overs cricket against Zimbabwe and is all set to fly to Australia for 3 ODIs and a lone T20I.

“If Rabada’s been setting the standard the last couple of years then Steyn was setting the standard for fast bowling half a dozen years before that. He’s someone who always gets themselves in the game, he’s always the strike weapon, up for every game, he bowls fast, takes big wickets and is so competitive,” Cummins said.

“It’s great to see him back. He’s had a couple of serious injuries but to get himself back and be a star performer again is great for the game. He’s someone you have to turn on the TV and watch when he’s bowling,” he added.

The fast bowler who was recovering from a back injury returned to action in Australia’s domestic one-day competition. Australia and South Africa take each other on in the first ODI on November 4 in Perth.

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