Protea bowlers' quest for steadiness should exclude Rabada: 'If he's the enforcer, let him be'

The Proteas' bowling mantra since commencing the Test series against New Zealand has been "bowl it fuller", but it was pretty clear that wasn't executed in this past weekend's massacre by an innings and 276 runs.

South Africa's four-pronged seam attack ended up conceding 482 at over four per over and, perhaps unsurprisingly, led to criticism over why they couldn't emulate the hosts' bowling quartet's exploits given that they are similar in nature.

However, one bowler who perhaps shouldn't be rapped over the knuckles is Kagiso Rabada.

The Proteas' bowling spearhead didn't escape punishment in ending with figures of 2/113 from 30 overs yet that doesn't mean his aggression and naturally shorter length must now suddenly be tweaked.

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"It's easy to say, from the outside, that KG's length needs to be fuller just because the New Zealanders were so successful in that regard," former SA 'A' and New Zealand 'A' mentor, Dave Nosworthy, said.

"I'm not sure that's wise. Firstly, we don't know what the exact plan for him is in this series. Sure, if he's been asked to bowl a different length, then fine, he obviously would need to be told to make an adjustment.

"But I don't think that's what KG's enlisted for. He's the Proteas' enforcer, that's what makes him such a fine player."

Neatly, Nosworthy - who coached Canterbury for three years and guided them to three domestic titles - believes the Proteas can still follow the recipe of sticking to tighter lines and lengths without having to nullify the strengths of Rabada.

"You only have to look back at the former Black Caps bowlers who were successful in their home conditions - Dion Nash, Gavin Larsen,