CHITTAGONG: A significant improvement in South Africa’s Test batting form over the last year, culminating in a convincing two-Test series win in Bangladesh this week, has been welcomed by a once beleaguered bowling unit.

Kagiso Rabada said there was no longer as much pressure on the bowlers to try and win Tests.

“Whenever we get two days to put our feet up, I’m more than happy,” Rabada told a Friday press conference as the South Africans prepared to return home.

“There is a confidence because of the performances that the guys have put in, and especially coming to the subcontinent and beating Bangladesh.”

Rabada said he had noted a major improvement in batting form at the start of the year when India played a two-match series in South Africa that was drawn.

“I was very impressed with our batting when India came to South Africa. I think that’s when it really struck for me. The wickets were spicy, but you had guys who put their hands up in that series. And conditions were tough to bat.

“Perhaps, conditions were a little bit easier [in Bangladesh], but you still have to do the work,” the pacer added.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2024