The Proteas will look to claim an early series victory when they face New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park on Wednesday.
The Proteas bounced back brilliantly from their loss against the Black Caps in Christchurch, to take a 2-1 lead in the series. This was largely due to their excellent bowling performance and a steady batting display by Quinton de Kock (68 off 70) and AB de Villiers (85 off 80).
The South African bowling unit skittled New Zealand out for 112, their lowest total against SA in ODIs, with every bowler contributing to the wickets tally. Throughout the series, wickets have been shared amongst the new pace-bowling attack, who have combined to take 18 wickets amongst them.
Dwaine Pretorius (5), Kagiso Rabada (4), Chris Morris (4), Wayne Parnell (3) and Andile Phehlukwayo (2) have all stepped up in the absence of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
Rabada, says the current rotation policy with the bowlers has worked in bringing out the best in the inexperienced lineup.
‘I think we have been performing really well as a bowling unit for some time,’ Rabada said in Hamilton on Tuesday. ‘We are always confident going into a game but never complacent. We know that the Black Caps can come and get a victory over us tomorrow. They have all of the necessary skill and talent to do it, but we are feeling confident. We are going to get into the game with our minds in the right area, we are looking to put in another clinical performance.
‘It’s a really good thing,’ he said of the rotation. ‘We are in a good space with this new crop of players coming in. We have the luxury of a lot of all-rounders which gives balance to the team. We have to judge the conditions on the day, some players will rest if the coaching staff feel that they need a rest or if the conditions suit.
‘They (selectors) don’t just manage on performance but also give guys rest so that they can come back feeling stronger. With the chopping and changing around it shows that everyone is capable of fulfilling their role.’
A modest Rabada says he doesn’t see himself as the leader of the attack, but rather thrives on the responsibility to execute his skills on the day. He has acknowledged the need to manage his workload ahead of a busy season, and will put his ego aside for the benefit of the team and country.
‘I feel fine,’ he said. ‘I feel like I am the main person when it comes to judging how I feel, and truthfully as well. Sometimes you play with niggles and sometimes you feel fresh. Sometimes niggles come and go away, sometimes they stay a bit longer. The longer that I have played the more I have learned to manage myself with the help of the medical team who give me advice, which I take accordingly.’
