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South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has fired a warning shot to Australia ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, making it clear that their trademark sledging won’t rattle him.
Set to return for the all-important final at Lord’s starting June 11, the South African speedster is eyeing redemption, both on and off the field, after serving a brief suspension for recreational drug use.
Now cleared to play, the 30-year-old is expected to be one of South Africa’s key weapons as they chase their maiden WTC crown.
“They come at you, and I think that gets the best out of me,” Rabada told SABC Sport.
“Any type of verbal abuse, or if the media wants to say something, that’s normal. That’s the field we play in. You can’t be ignorant of it; you’ve got to be aware.
“But it’s not going to slow me down. They’ve been notorious for that over the years, right? So yeah, let’s see.”
Kagiso Rabada has a fiery history with the Aussies — from on-field run-ins to the infamous Steve Smith shoulder bump during the “Sandpapergate” series, and his return sets the stage for yet another high-octane contest between the two sides.
Former South Africa assistant coach Malibongwe Maketa also chimed in, cautioning Australia against provoking Rabada.
“I think the Australians have learned now,” Maketa said. “I don’t think the current crop of players would say too much to KG because they know what it would bring out in him.”
Maketa further highlighted how Australia’s presence brings a different kind of pressure — one that Kagiso Rabada feeds off.
“It’s relentless — the body language, the aggression, even the crowd. But KG thrives in that. He doesn’t run from pressure; he walks into it.”
Speaking about his recent off-field controversy, Rabada acknowledged the mistake and said the time away gave him perspective.
“Look, this is not an ideal situation,” he said. “It forced me to reflect, to be grateful for what I have. People will have their opinions, I’m okay with that. I’m just happy to be back doing what I love.”
South Africa qualified for the WTC final after a strong campaign, winning eight out of 12 matches.
Despite a 2-0 defeat in New Zealand and a drawn series at home against India (1-1), the Proteas bounced back with clean sweeps over Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, along with a 1-0 win over the West Indies.
South Africa squad for WTC Final: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson.
READ: South Africa spinner pays heartfelt tribute to retiring Heinrich Klaasen
