Kagiso Rabada, one of South Africa’s best bowlers, says they should celebrate having Australia as the opponents in the World Test Championship finals and think about the trophy lift.
Upcoming Series Against Australia
South Africa’s next series will include three T20 matches and three ODIs against Australia in Darwin. Rabada will lead the South African bowling attack. Although the teams recently faced off in June, Rabada emphasizes that the squad is focusing on the future rather than past results.
Reflecting on Past Matches
Recapping Rabada’s statement: “I don’t think as a team, we can forget, but it is time to steer clear of focusing on that for the time being.” South Africa’s five-wicket win in the WTC finals, after previous near misses in limited-overs World Cups, feels like a burden lifted off the shoulders.
Preparing for the Future
Rabada adds, “There is always going to be this display of the show being carried on, and the T20 World Cup is going to be highly dictated by the other teams yielding to South Africa in competitions.” He is relishing a reprisal of the rivalry with Australia: “Always some hard cricket being played, some good cricket. For as much as I have ever played Australia, I have a feeling they tend to bring out the best in us, because they are in our faces. And I guess we like that.”
Taking a Break
“Thank gosh I got a break, it sure has been making for an enjoyable time. Some form of maintenance work has to be done for the sheer amount of cricket played,” Rabada said.
Looking Ahead: T20 World Cup and Beyond
South Africa will tour Australia in the coming months, right before the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year, and ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup in Southern Africa. The tour is focused on giving younger players in the South African side valuable experience.
Excitement Around the New Generation
“Excitement is an understatement for the feeling of a new team and generation. It is the best feeling witnessing a team so amped to put in the work. With so much potential to play with, it does beg the question of where the team stands,” Rabada concluded.