“It would mean the world (to win the Test series against Pakistan),” said Proteas fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, having returned to the Proteas fold after recovering from an injury.
Upon his recovery from injury, Rabada said: “The body is feeling good. Something I have to manage over time, and not let the same things happen over and over.”
After winning the Test series against Sri Lanka, Rabada said the team was feeling confident. With the team set to play in Pakistan for the first time, Rabada is hoping for the Proteas to deliver a series win.
“We know that we can beat any team in the world,” Rabada stated confidently. However, he cautioned that playing Pakistan in their home conditions will be a significant challenge for the Proteas. “It’s not going to be easy at all,” he said. “Definitely going to be a Test we’re going to have to earn the right to win,” Rabada continued.
The practice squares the Proteas have been training on typically kept low. Without lateral movement on offer, Rabada believes reverse swing will be important through the series.
“It’s Cricket 101 – we have to bowl straighter lines,” said Rabada. The batsmen were also challenged by the lack of bounce on these pitches, although the team is still unsure of how the pitch at the National Stadium will play.
Rabada is relieved the weather conditions are generally favourable for cricket. With the weather being slightly cooler, it helps players “conserve a lot more energy.
“The heat drains your energy, constantly have to be hydrated and change shirts,” said Rabada.
The fitness training the Proteas have been put through has generally kept injuries at bay.
“We’ve been working hard when it comes to our fitness,” explained Rabada. “The bowlers have been doing their strength work and flexibility work.”
Analyzing reasons for the South African team being able to avoid injuries, while Sri Lanka was not, Rabada said:
“What helps is that the guys have been playing long-form cricket. In the Sri Lanka set up, they weren’t playing long-form cricket. It was a determining factor for why they had so many injuries. We’re nicely cooked.”
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