Kagiso Rabada is a naturally gifted athlete, says Allan Donald, and that is how he is able to generate speeds of 150km/h with what looks like a medium pacer's action.
Rabada clocked the fastest delivery (150.3km/h) in Centurion on Sunday when the Proteas lost to New Zealand by 32 runs in the second T20 international and finished with figures of 3-30.
But unlike quick bowlers of the past he does not run in as quickly as he bowls.
He takes around seven steps to release and then, like a comet hitting the earth, there's a big bang. Almost like a panther, Rabada sneaks up on his opponent.
"Some kids just fall from nowhere and they can bowl fast. It's not a self-taught thing but is genetically generated," said Donald.
"Rabada is a fantastic athlete, he's very strong and has a fantastic action to go along with it - there's not a lot that can go wrong with it from a technique point of view. He is also still growing into that body of his. The great thing is that he is going to bowl quicker."
Asked about the possibility of lengthening his run-up for more explosiveness, Rabada said: "I'm always open to new ideas but I don't think the pace comes from the run-up. The run-up is just for your rhythm, to make sure that everything clicks at the crease."
Rabada naturally quick
Kagiso Rabada is a naturally gifted athlete, says Allan Donald, and that is how he is able to generate speeds of 150km/h with what looks like a medium pacer's action.
Rabada clocked the fastest delivery (150.3km/h) in Centurion on Sunday when the Proteas lost to New Zealand by 32 runs in the second T20 international and finished with figures of 3-30.
But unlike quick bowlers of the past he does not run in as quickly as he bowls.
He takes around seven steps to release and then, like a comet hitting the earth, there's a big bang. Almost like a panther, Rabada sneaks up on his opponent.
"Some kids just fall from nowhere and they can bowl fast. It's not a self-taught thing but is genetically generated," said Donald.
"Rabada is a fantastic athlete, he's very strong and has a fantastic action to go along with it - there's not a lot that can go wrong with it from a technique point of view. He is also still growing into that body of his. The great thing is that he is going to bowl quicker."
Asked about the possibility of lengthening his run-up for more explosiveness, Rabada said: "I'm always open to new ideas but I don't think the pace comes from the run-up. The run-up is just for your rhythm, to make sure that everything clicks at the crease."
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