Former South Africa pacer Allan Donald has heaped praise on Kagiso Rabada, calling him a hungry individual. Rabada picked 7 wickets as South Africa beat India by an innings and 32 runs in the first Test of the two-match series.

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South Africa’s massive win slashed India’s hopes of capturing their final frontier in Test cricket. India has never won a bi-lateral Test series in South Africa, having tried and failed on eight occasions.

Speaking to PTI ahead of the second Test, Donald said Rabada was outstanding to watch in Centurion, while praising his consistency. Rabada claimed 7 wickets in the first Test, becoming the seventh South African to pick 500 international wickets.

“Skill is one thing but he has an got amazing ability to run the ball away. He has got some amazing wickets with stunning balls in the first Test match. He was outstanding to watch as he always is and I just think his thirst for success drives his consistency. Anyone who gets success, doesn’t matter what sport he plays, is judged by consistency,” said Donald.

He went on to compare Rabada to former pacer Dale Steyn, calling him a hungry individual. Rabada claimed his maiden five-wicket haul against India in the first innings, before picking two more wickets in the second.

“If you look at Dale Steyn, he brought that thirst for consistency for himself and KG is no different as he is such a hungry individual. I see in him to be the absolute best competitor on the field that he can be. 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,” Donaldo added.

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The 57-year-old lauded Rabada’s hand time and drew parallels with some fast-bowling legends. South Africa bowled out India for 245 runs and 131 runs within three days in the first Test.

“We always talk about the launch, how they launch off the floor or how big they get at the crease. 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,” said Donald.

South Africa will now host India at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town for the second and final Test of the series, starting January 3.