Rabada's back niggle adds to South Africa's injury concerns

Rabada, who is expected to lead their bowling attack, missed a game for his Indian Premier League franchise on Wednesday, 1 May, with what reports described as a back niggle. The Delhi Capitals team said they rested him as a "precautionary measure" for their game against Chennai Super Kings, and added that they were monitoring his situation. The young fast bowler has been the leading wicket-taker at this year's IPL, taking 25 wickets in 12 games at an average of 14.72. He has been especially effective at the death, and earlier in the season pulled off a Super Over win for his side, nailing his yorkers.

What a match! Kagiso Rabada was exceptional as @DelhiCapitals triumphed over @KKRiders in a Super-Over finish! FULL STORY ⬇️https://t.co/wGFvIVn8RD pic.twitter.com/W9tRHFr9Bx

— ICC (@ICC) March 30, 2019

Cricket South Africa are reportedly keeping a watchful eye on his recovery, what with the World Cup in England and Wales less than a month away. There is already a cloud over the veteran Dale Steyn, whose IPL was cut short after just two games when his shoulder flared up. Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje, the other members of their fast-bowling attack, had earlier been forced to withdraw from the IPL: while Ngidi was recovering from a side strain, Nortje had strained his shoulder. Ngidi, in fact, had faced a long spell on the sidelines even before that because of a troublesome hamstring. Faf du Plessis' team begin their World Cup campaign on 30 May against hosts England at The Oval.