'Phenomenal' Rabada amazing to watch – Philander

Kagiso Rabada’s new-ball partner Vernon Philander has heaped praise on the 22-year-old after his five-wicket haul lit up the first day of the second Test between South Africa and Australia in Port Elizabeth.

Philander, who is 10 years Rabada’s senior and a veteran of 51 Test matches, said he was amazed by the talented youngster’s penetrating display, which put South Africa in command on day one.

“The way ‘KG’ was running in this afternoon was pretty amazing to watch,” Philander said. “The way he came across he wanted the ball‚ he wanted to bowl overs. He was phenomenal.”

Thanks to Rabada’s 5/96, Australia were bowled out for 243 before South Africa finished the day 39/1, Rabada again in the thick of the action having been sent in as a nightwatchman after the departure of Aiden Markram.

“Hats off to him about the way he went about his business,” Philander, who took 2/25 from 18 overs, said.

Rabada’s first wicket was the crucial scalp of Steve Smith – lbw for 25 – and there has been speculation that he could face further disciplinary action for the vehemence of his celebration, which saw the pair brush shoulders. With Rabada only one infraction away from a suspension, the possibility of him missing the following two Test matches is yet to be ruled out.

“He would leave a massive hole‚” Philander said. “He’s a big part of this bowling line-up. Let’s hope that’s not the case.”

Philander also acknowledged that the match officials were on high alert following the fallout from David Warner and Quinton de Kock’s spat in Durban.

“After the last game it was always going to be sensitive‚” he said. “The umpires were always going to try and be in the game and try and find out what’s going on.

“But they’re within their rights to try and kill some bug or virus from spreading too quickly.”

The match is fascinatingly poised ahead of day two.