ES COVERAGE

Rabada: We know what England can do but I'm up for challenge

Exclusive interview - Daniel Gallan

Kagiso Rabada is intense. The 24-year-old spearhead of South Africa’s attack is an imposing figure. He holds your gaze a little longer than most and sways from side to side on the balls of his feet. More prize fighter than fast bowler. And, on the eve of the World Cup, he is ready for a scrap.

Photo: AFP

“We’ve known what’s coming since the fixture list was released and we are ready to match them,” Rabada (below) said, ahead of the mouthwatering opening clash between the Proteas and hosts and favourites England at The Oval tomorrow.

“We know what they’re about. It’s going to be a challenge.”



Tomorrow is not just a battle between two teams. It also represents a struggle between two cricketing ideologies. Much has been made of England’s power-hitters, who will look to outgun their opposition in relentless pursuit of boundaries.

South Africa’s approach is different. Shorn of AB de Villiers’ pedigree, captain Faf du Plessis has placed his faith in his bowlers. None will be more important than Rabada.



“It’s a big occasion and I want to be the one who leads from the front and owns it,” Rabada added.



“England have got some class players with the bat, but I see that as an opportunity to show what I can do. There will be big moments on the field and I back myself to recognise them.”



Rabada announced himself in South Africa’s Under-19 World Cup triumph in 2014 with 14 wickets in five innings, averaging 10.28 and conceding just three runs an over. In the semi-final against Australia, he blitzed six for 25.



Now ranked third and fifth on the ICC Test and ODI bowling rankings respectively, the lithe and muscular seamer from Johannesburg has added an impressive skill-set to his pace. He hits yorkers at will and possesses two slower balls that he uses to great effect.



He’s in good form, too. At this year’s IPL, he collected 25 wickets at an average of just 14 for Delhi Capitals.



“I know my game really well and feel confident I can compete against the world’s most powerful batsmen,” Rabada said. “Fast bowling is about confidence and I back my abilities.”



Rabada, who needs to ensure he keeps a petulant side that has kept disciplinary chiefs busy in the past at check, credits veteran bowler Dale Steyn as a major contributor to his development.



“Dale is always available if I have a question,” he said. “He knows his game so well and has done it all before.”



Steyn, who will miss tomorrow’s game with a shoulder injury, was equally complimentary. “When you put a ball in his hand, you realise that this is what he was put on earth to do,” he said. “It just comes so naturally to him. He’s got it all.”