Talented South African pacer Kagiso Rabada is expected to be fully fit for the 2019 World Cup opener against England on May 30, in Southampton, according to the Proteas team doctor Mohammed Moosajee.
In IPL 2019, Rabada became the highest wicket-taker with 25 scalps for Delhi Capitals before Cricket South Africa (CSA) pulled him out as a precautionary measure after he complained of a stiff back.
“With KG (Rabada) we are extra cautious because of two reasons,” Moosajee was quoted as saying by CSA’s website.
“Firstly, he had a back issue that kept him out of the game for a protracted amount of time. Secondly‚ there is his importance in the squad‚ so we are managing his rehab and his return to play very carefully.”
Moosajee revealed that Rabada will be fully fit within three weeks as his rehabilitation is on track.
“The anticipated recovery period for KG’s injury is two to three weeks and we are hopeful he’ll make a full recovery to be part of the World Cup squad,” said Moosajee.
“He had a back issue that kept him out of the game for a protracted amount of time. Secondly there’s his importance in the squad so we’re managing his rehab and his return to play very carefully,” the doctor added.
While the Proteas are confident about the fitness of Rabada, there are still question marks over fellow quicks Dale Steyn (shoulder injury) and Lungi Ngidi (side strain).
The doctor also said that Steyn and Ngidi will soon make the trip to England, but he did not confirm if the duo will be fit to take part in the tournament.
“The selectors have ensured they have enough options on the table but there are some players that have been earmarked as standby players,” Moosajee further added.
All 15-man World Cup squads must be finalised by May 23, while injured players can be replaced during the tournament.
Last week, paceman Anrich Nortje was ruled out of the World Cup due to a hand injury and has been replaced by veteran all-rounder Chris Morris.
