I’m ready for the Australians - Kagiso Rabada

The one-off five-day clash could be defining for the country’s red ball cricket at international level, having yet to win the biennial championship since its inception in 2019.

Rabada, who had been at the centre of controversy in the past few weeks over a positive cocaine test, says he’s now fully focused on the game and ready to play.

"I feel good, I'm ready. I'm not focussed on the result, just focussed on playing. My body feels good, my mind feels good and I'm ready to play," said Rabada.

"We get told who to play [against], so I think we deserve to be there and I'm excited to see what Australia can bring to us."

Rabada’s frosty relationship with the Aussies is sure to add some extra spice to the match, and the 30-year-old shared what it is that gets him riled up.

"Well, I think it's just because they come at you, and I think that gets the best out of me – when they come at me, I think it gets the best out of me, and they have been notorious for that over the years, right? So yeah, let's see," he added.

The last time Rabada played for the Proteas at the hallowed ground, he got himself on the honours board with a five-wicket haul against England in August 2022. 

He says another such performance would be welcome, but a win for the team is more important.

"Yeah, 100 percent, Lords 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, that would be 100 percent, but if I don't get on it and we win, I'd rather take that," he concluded.

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