Exclusive: Codi Yusuf Aims to Uphold Kagiso Rabada's Standards on Maiden Proteas Test Tour

As Proteas fast bowler Codi Yusuf is currently in Zimbabwe for his maiden Test tour, the quick emphasised that, in the absence of regular quicks, including Kagiso Rabada, they look to maintain the standards that were set by the full-strength bowling attack in the World Test Championship final at Lord's a few weeks ago.

Maintaining the Standards

Kagiso Rabada led the South African Test bowling unit with distinction for many years.

The previous 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship cycle feels as though it was Rabada's best cycle as the 30-year-old bowled the side to the final at Lord's and went on to take nine wickets in the final, helping South Africa to their first major ICC trophy in 27 years.

Now, Rabada has been rested for this week's two-match Test series against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

In his absence, Lions fast bowler Codi Yusuf has earned his maiden Test call-up and now has an opportunity to stake a claim in what is a stacked bowling attack.

Yusuf will have the experience of Lungi Ngidi to rely on in the series as they aim to maintain the standards that Rabada has set for the bowling unit over the years.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBooom.co.za, Yusuf highlighted that a full-strength attack is a world-class attack and expressed a desire to match that intensity in Bulawayo over the next two weeks.

"They are world-class bowlers and some of the best bowlers in the world, never mind in South Africa. I think it's also just an exciting time to be part of South African cricket at the moment," Yusuf told SportsBoom.co.za

"There's a lot of movement happening in terms of selection of teams as we got five uncapped players that will be making their debuts. There's a lot that we can all take out of the performance that they had at the World Test Championship final at Lord's."

"They've definitely set the standard. I mean, you want to see youngsters coming in and making a mark and going according to that standard. So, they've definitely set a high standard for the guys coming in, and it's going to be exciting to see what we can do with regard to this up-and-coming test series."

Time in the UK

Yusuf earned his maiden Test call-up on the back of an impressive domestic season with the Lions, where he took 23 wickets at an average of 22.39 in the Cricket South Africa Four-Day Series.

For the two months, Yusuf has been employing his trade in the United Kingdom, playing County cricket for Durham, his first County stint in his young professional career.

The 27-year-old went on to take 17 wickets in four games for Durham, a feat that left Proteas coach Shukri Conrad no choice but to include Yusuf in the Test squad for the Zimbabwe tour.

"My first two weeks there, the sun was out, it was lovely, but when we went down to Durham, it got a little bit cold from there. But cricket-wise wise it was good, I really enjoyed my time there. The people were very welcoming, they made it easy for me to fit into the environment," Yusuf told SportsBoom.co.za, reflecting on his time in the UK with Durham. 

"If you're surrounded by good people, it makes your experience a little bit better. So, all that definitely helped with my experience in playing in those conditions. Initially, it was a bit tough with the cold, but with the hand warmers, at least you warm your hands up a little bit. That makes a little bit of a difference in that sense."

"I think I played four First-Class games and ended up on 17 wickets, the second highest wicket-taker for Durham for the season so far. That was a proud moment for me because going down to the UK for the first time, it was quite special to see that I can also take some sticks there and play a role for Durham in the bowling attack."

"I had some good players around me, and that counts as well because it was my first time bowling with the Dukes ball, playing county cricket, and I feel the guys helped me out, gave me some information that helped me figure out how to approach the game and certain game situations," he concluded. 

Keshav Maharaj is set to captain the Proteas as Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.

Proteas Test Squad for Zimbabwe

Keshav Maharaj (Captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne and Codi Yusuf.