“We would have liked to win the series, but we can give ourselves credit for bouncing back,” said Proteas fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, after South Africa won the second Test match against New Zealand by 198 runs to level the two-match series 1-1. 

“We totally didn’t rock up in the first Test. We were under pressure to come into this second Test match and win, and it means a lot that we didn’t come to New Zealand and lose the Test series,” said Rabada. 

Rabada said the team was aware that they did not perform in the first Test, but it was important for them to put that game behind them. “It’s just about waking up, rocking up, and executing game plans.” 

South Africa’s characteristic resilience was on display in the second Test match. “I think it’s something we have naturally as South Africans. If you look at previous cricket teams that have played, the word that always fit us well was resilience. It was never easy to beat us in a Test series.” 

After Sarel Erwee talked about the importance of individuals looking after their mental health, Rabada added to the conversation. “Mental health is important to manage. As much as we are cricketers, we also have daily lives. We also have problems in our lives that come whenever they come.

At the same time, we have to play. At the same time, we’re also in these bubbles. It doesn’t make it any easier. As a collective, if we want a sports psychologist, then that’s what we will have. At the moment, I’m not sure if that option has been made available.”