How much would South Africa miss their ace? It was right and proper that Ashwell Prince, the batting coach, was sent to the post-play press conference. His charges were dismissed for 159 in three overs more than two sessions by classy bowling on a challenging pitch. But it was just as correct that Prince should be asked about Rabada – the man who wasn’t there was, from South Africa’s perspective, the headline story.
You don’t need to know any of those numbers, or even know much about cricket, to know you are watching greatness as he glides towards the bowling crease. Some players have more confidence than they can use. Many have international-level talent, and probably even more have the skill required to make their efforts count. But rare are those who have all that and also bring Rabada’s level of presence to a cricket ground, or anywhere else he might grace.