‘SHUKS MISSED A TRICK’

“MAYBE Shuks missed a trick.”

It’s not often that Proteas coach Shukri Conrad is not on top of his game, but these were Kagiso Rabada’s words prior to the Test series against India.

Rabada was, of course, humorously referring to the absence of his long-time new-ball partner Lungi Ngidi and the value he could possibly add with his cutters and slower balls on the subcontinent tour.

Little did Rabada know that Ngidi would be sent an SOS to fly over to India as backup for him after the Proteas’ premier fast bowler sat out the first Test in Kolkata with a rib injury.

With the Proteas enjoying two days of extra rest after the Eden Gardens Test finished in three days, Ngidi was able to join the team in Kolkata before their scheduled departure to Guwahati on Wednesday.

Rabada has not been released though and will travel with the span to Guwahati where the Proteas will be hoping he can return to the line-up to help the visitors’ bid to win their first Test series in India for 25 years from Saturday.

Previously, Conrad said, “you want to give him the best chance of being ready,” while also admitting that he will take guidance from the big fast bowler because, “when KG [Rabada] tells you I’m not ready, then you better believe him.”

Conrad will consider his options once the team reaches Guwahati.

Conrad wysed: “I’m going to need some inside tips here as to what I can expect in Guwahati as a wicket. Hopefully I can see for myself what Guwahati is like.”

The Proteas management have also confirmed Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer are “good to go” after social-media reports indicated the duo had checked into Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata for a health checkup this week.