South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has acknowledged that Kagiso Rabada’s current ban may function motivation for the pacer forward of the World Take a look at Championship (WTC) 2023/25 ultimate towards Australia at Lord’s, set to start on June 11.
Rabada examined constructive for cocaine in January, which got here to gentle in April. Consequently, he served a one-month ban whereas competing within the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The incident has been an unlucky and embarrassing chapter for the right-arm quick bowler, who holds the second spot on the planet Take a look at bowling rankings.
“It is undoubtedly a motivation. It has been a few weeks now that the whole lot has unfolded. He had a dialog with the group and put himself on the spot for additional questioning from any of the gamers. So far as we’re involved, that is sort of behind us, we actually come right here with the main target of what we have to do,” Bavuma mentioned in a press convention.
“And I feel he is in the perfect form that he is ever been. Taking part in towards the Australians as properly, that’ll be additional motivation for him. I feel he is in an excellent area,” he added.
Bavuma backs Ngidi to come back good towards Australia alongside Rabada
The 30-year-old bowler will spearhead South Africa’s bowling assault alongside Marco Jansen, with Lungi Ngidi set to be the primary change. Ngidi was picked over veteran Dane Paterson, who had been a contender because of his expertise on English soil. The Proteas additionally made a transfer by selling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder to No. 3 within the batting order for the WTC ultimate. This marks South Africa’s first-ever look within the WTC ultimate, the place they may face defending champions Australia
“It is most likely one of many more durable selections that we have needed to make. It was extra from a tactical perspective; most likely a bit bit extra tempo coming from Lungi,” mentioned the South African skipper.
“He is fairly younger, clearly, in that place. However having seen the way in which he is sort of grown within the final two years inside the red-ball recreation, it is about giving him much more confidence, backing him, and simply permitting him to do what he does greatest,” Bavuma concluded.
South Africa Taking part in XI in WTC ultimate:
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.