Now that the drug ban has been lifted and he is included in Proteas’ World Test Championship final squad, Kagiso Rabada is expected to put the controversy behind him and lead the team to glory. South Africa will take on fierce cricket rivals Australia in a five-day WTC final at the at the famous Lord Cricket Ground next month.
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad named a rather young and inexperienced 15-member squad during the week, with Rabada one of only three players with more than 50 Test appearances.
“I think the important thing is that KG’s a big player wherever he goes in the world. So, he’s a massive player for us,” Conrad said, as the drug ban controversy raised concerns about Rabada’s readiness. “But not for one minute did I sit on tenterhooks, worrying about whether he potentially will be available or not. For me, it was more about whether KG’s all right, and close ranks around him and ensure that he’s in a good space.”
Despite the Aussies going into the tie as overwhelming favourites, Conrad is confident that his side can get the job done in Lord’s. “We probably go in as underdogs, and rightly so, not because of ability, but maybe just in experience. But I don’t think we need to be doing anything extraordinary to beat Australia.
“I’m very confident that when we play to our best, we have got every chance of beating them.”
The Proteas will be led by captain Temba Bavuma, who has also reiterated the importance of having their bowling ace back in the team. “KG is a close friend of mine, and I supported him as much as he needed me to. But from a captaincy point of view, we are happy with how the
process went.”
Proteas squad for WTC final: Temba Bavuma (captain); David Bedingham; Corbin Bosch; Tony de Zorzi; Marco Jansen; Keshav Maharaj; Aiden Markram; Wiaan Mulder; Senuran Muthusamy; Lungi Ngidi; Dane Paterson; Kagiso Rabada; Ryan Rickelton; Tristan Stubbs; Kyle Verreynne
