IND vs SA: Allan Donald reveals why Kagiso Rabada is a 'special bowler'

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Former South Africa pacer Allan Donald believes Kagiso Rabada's 'javelin-throw' athlete ability is a standout which has galvanized him as a top bowler in international cricket.

South Africa has cultivated a rich tradition of fostering fearsome fast bowlers who have left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape.

Historically, the nation's cricketing prowess has been symbolized by their pacers, and such a reputation has been maintained by comparing the fiery quicks of the past to those dominating the international scene today.

In recent years, Kagiso Rabada has been making a mark as South Africa's premier speedster. Rabada has time and again proven his mettle, most recently in a Test match at Centurion against India.

His devastating five-wicket onslaught decimated the Indian batting lineup, leading to their capitulation and an emphatic innings and 32-run victory for the Proteas. Rabada's astonishing record in Test cricket is evident, with 287 wickets at an average of 22.11, across a mere 61 Tests, coupled with an enviable strike rate of 39.4.

And Donaldo says Rabada's dynamics and movement as a bowler while throwing the ball resembles 'Javelin-Throw' athlete's ability, and that sets him apart from others.

"If you listen to his feet, every ball is so quick. KG's hip rotation is similar to a javelin thrower's right-side release through the impact area. He knows his rhythm and action so well so technical point he is solid. He understands biomechanics as much as a Pat Cummins or a Mitchell Starc. All genuine quicks have got great hip and shoulder rotation and if you observe him technically, he gets in a fantastic position in the air. We always talk about the launch, how they launch off the floor or how big they get at the crease," Donald said.

"Look at other greats like Curtley Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop, Michael Holding all these got off the floor to give them time to pull the trigger and that's what KG does beautifully. That hang time (off the ground) we talk about. Also if you see at point of the backfoot strike, the hips are slightly closed and open up very very quickly. They don't spend too much time on backfoot. KG is very quick," Donald was quoted as saying by PTI.