The fast bowler has burst into elite company less than three years after making a debut

Bharath Seervi12-Mar-2018Kagiso Rabada has been quite consistent ever since he wore the South Africa jersey. In a period of about three years, he has shown that he could end up as a great. In just 28 Tests, he has already managed four ten-wicket hauls, which is joint second-most among South Africa bowlers. He is behind only Dale Steyn who has five ten-fors in nearly three times as many Tests.ESPNcricinfo LtdRabada already has more ten-wicket hauls than many greats. The likes of Glenn McGrath, James Anderson, Courtney Walsh, Curtley Ambrose, Allan Donald and Fred Trueman took just three ten-wicket hauls each in their careers. Kapil Dev managed only two, Shaun Pollock just one and Brett Lee none. Morne Morkel hasn’t manage a ten-wicket haul in his entire career of 84 Tests.ESPNcricinfo LtdRabada is yet to turn 23 but has already achieved great heights. No bowler has picked more ten-wicket hauls than Rabada’s four before their 23rd birthday. Waqar Younis was the other to take four ten-fors before turning 23, but he had played seven Tests more than Rabada.No fast bowler has picked more wickets than Rabada since his debut, nor has anyone has managed more five-fors or ten-fors. In fact, all other fast bowlers combined have managed only three ten-wicket hauls – one each by James Anderson, Mitchell Starc and Chris Woakes.ESPNcricinfo LtdIn 28 Tests, Rabada now has 135 wickets at 21.45 and a strike rate of under 39. Among 183 bowlers to pick 100 or more wickets in Test history, only one bowler has a better bowling strike rate than Rabada. George Lohmann who picked 112 wickets at strike rate of 34.1 in 18 Tests is only one better than Rabada. Rabada will spearhead South Africa as Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel near their ends. How far is he destined to go?