Exclusive: Corbin Bosch Ready to Lean on Kagiso Rabada Ahead of Pakistan Test Debut

Proteas fast bowler Corbin Bosch is one of only two all-format South African cricketers who play all formats in the upcoming tour of Pakistan, the other being Dewald Brevis.

South Africa has a two-match Test series in Pakistan, with the first Test scheduled to start from 12 October, and Bosch is in line to potentially get his first Test in the subcontinent.

For any fast bowler, playing in the subcontinent is not an easy feat. However, Bosch has many fast bowlers in the Proteas squad who have played Test cricket in Pakistan, including Kagiso Rabada.

Bosch will be looking to feed off the experience of the likes of Rabada in order to get a better understanding of the conditions that lie ahead.

“I haven't chatted to (Rabada) too much yet. Obviously, we’ve got a camp coming up on the 5th and 6th of October, so I think I'll dive more into detail when I get to see them there,” Bosch told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview.

“The obvious thing is that the ball doesn't bounce as much as it does in South Africa, and the ball tends to reverse swing, so obviously, trying to make use of those aspects. I think more so we'll get to it when the camp comes around.”

Backing from Shukri Conrad

Bosch has been in the Proteas set-up since earning his international debut last summer. All-format coach Shukri Conrad has displayed a lot of faith in the talents and abilities of the right-arm fast bowler.

Bosch opened up about what it is like playing under a coach who backs him.

“He's obviously given me a lot of responsibility, but backed me at the same time, and I couldn't be more grateful. He's given me the freedom to be myself and express myself in the way that I do best,” Bosch said.  

“I’m just glad that I've put some performances behind me. He's been fantastic for me, and he's led me very well. I look forward to spending more time with him, hopefully.”

Where is Bosch’s game?

Bosch has been in fine form in Test cricket from his debut during the Boxing Day Test match against Pakistan at Supersport Park in Centurion last summer, when he scored a maiden fifty and took a four-wicket haul.

In his second Test, the right-arm quick took his maiden five-wicket haul, scored his maiden century against Zimbabwe and helped South Africa win that series 2-0.

The 31-year-old told SportsBoom.co.za that his game is in the right place heading into the Pakistan tour.

“My game is obviously in a very good place at the moment, but there's always room for improvement,” said Bosch.  

“I think as the team we want to get over the line in the (Pakistan) Test Series, but in all formats, the ODIs and the T20s. It's a big series coming up, and I'm looking forward to hopefully playing a crucial part in it all.”

Following the conclusion of the two-match Test series in Pakistan, South Africa will play a three-match T20I series in Lahore from 28 October to 01 November, and then play a three-match One-Day International series in Faisalabad from 04 to 08 November.