Sledge me at your own peril. That’s the blunt message from South African firebrand fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to Pat Cummins’ men ahead of a World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
Pat Cummins of Australia and Kagiso Rabada of South Africa pose for a photo ahead of the 2022 series in Australia.Credit: Getty
Just weeks after news emerged that Rabada had failed a drugs test and left the Indian Premier League, the leader of South Africa’s attack has lit the fuse for a showdown for world cricket’s top prize.
“They [Australian players] come at you, and that gets the best out of me,” Rabada said in an interview with SABC Sport. “They have been notorious for that over the years, right? So yeah, let’s see.
“I think we deserve to be there and I’m excited to see what Australia can bring to us.”
It’s not the first time Rabada has thrown down the gauntlet to Australia – or found himself in hot water for doing so. The paceman’s frosty relationship with Australia stretches back seven years, when he was cited for a mid-pitch shoulder barge on Steve Smith during the explosive 2018 ‘Sandpapergate’ series.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada takes a wicket during the 2018 series against Australia.Credit: Michael Sheehan
Rabada won his appeal against a two-match suspension, to the frustration of the Australian camp in a series brimming with tension.
The 30-year-old, who has taken 49 Test wickets against Australia at an average of 23.08, admitted last month to testing positive to cocaine.
After flying home from the Indian Premier League for “personal reasons”, Rabada served a one-month suspension, allowing him to line-up against Australia at Lord’s for the WTC final, starting next Wednesday in London (June 11).
“Look, this is not an ideal situation,” Rabada told reporters. “I don’t need too many pats on the back here. I’m going to be joining them [teammates] again. I’ve already spoken to them and I guess we can do so in more detail when we get together for an extended amount of time.
“It led me to a bit of introspection about myself and I took some time away from the game. I think the biggest thing I took away from it is having gratitude for playing the game that we love. I’m just glad to be playing again… the process was handled really well.
“I think, as a player, and a man, people will have their different opinions. I can live with that.”
Tensions between Australia and South Africa have simmered for years. David Warner was one of several Australian players targeted by the South African crowd during the 2018 series, while a stairwell altercation between Warner and Quinton de Kock in Durban added fuel to the rivalry.
Rabada says he’s feeling fit and ready to rip through Australia’s top order at the home of cricket.
“I feel good, I’m ready,” Rabada told SABC Sport. I’m not focused on the result, just focused on playing. My body feels good, my mind feels good, and I’m ready to play.
“Lord’s is a special ground and I’m glad to be on the honours board there, and to be there along with some great company.
“Hopefully I can get on it again … but if I don’t get on it and we win, I’d rather take that.”
The majority of Australia’s squad has been playing golf in Scotland as they adjust to the UK timezone and will begin preparations later this week.
Australia won the 2023 WTC final against India, thanks to first innings hundreds from Steve Smith and Travis Head.
