Eager and energetic Kagiso Rabada has ‘learnt his lesson’
The gifted Proteas quick is back from suspension and will certainly elevate an attack that was already superb in the previous England Test.
Kagiso Rabada wants to make up for the lost time of the previous Test’s suspension. Photo: Peter Cziborra/Action Images via Reuters.
Kagiso Rabada is ready to put things right in the third Test against England at the Oval starting on Thursday.
The exciting Proteas quick controversially missed his side’s 340-run demolition of the home side just over a week ago after he was suspended for accumulating too many demerit points.
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It was his poor language in the first Test at Lord’s that led to all the trouble.
But the 21-year-old has put that behind him and is ready to add a new dimension to the Test attack.
In fact, Rabada didn’t rest much.
He bowled every morning before play to keep his match sharpness up.
“Kagiso bowled his overs. He got his workload up so he will be raring to go,” said Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt on Monday.
“He was disappointed with what happened but he learned a lot from that. You need to learn from it so it doesn’t happen again.”
The really enticing thing about his return is just exactly how much firepower he can add to the Proteas attack.
South Africa were potent enough to dismiss England cheaply in both their innings at Trent Bridge – and that with a struggling Duanne Olivier.
Langeveldt had no hesitation in stating Rabada will play on Thursday and he’s convinced his energetic fast bowler will make an immediate impact.
“KG’s a strong character. He’s one for stepping up, taking his game to the next level. I’ve got no doubt he will step up,” he said.
Rabada will also be expected to follow the example of his teammates, who stepped up their discipline markedly after they bowled 10 no-balls at Lord’s.
Not a singe one was conceded in Nottingham.
“It’s a mentality. When you come to the nets, you need to stay behind the line,” said Langeveldt.
“We spoke before the Test series as well. I said to the guys: you’ve been doing this for years, you are professional. It’s a basic thing. You need to stay behind the line. Sure, there will be days when you over-stride, when you got for the effort ball. But we’ve always been strict.”
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