NO FEAR

WITH the Proteas having clinched the World Test Championship title, their first ICC trophy in 27 years, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada feels the monkey is off their backs and that they now have no fear.

South Africa take on Australia in the first of three T20s in Darwin at 11.15am on Sunday, before the ODI series begins on 19 August in Cairns.

Rabada wysed: “It’s kind of like a relief. I guess the T20 World Cup [next year] will be a bit different now, there’s no fear of anything.

“There’s not too much time leading into that big event.

“But you’re looking at growing this team within the next year, year and a half.

“That’s the bigger goal looking into 2027, but certainly a short-term goal leading into the 2026 World Cup, looking at guys like David [Miller], who are going to be back, and Marco [Jansen], who are going to be back.

“That gives a bit more of solidification in terms of the team. But these games would be just to get a feel for one another as teammates.

“It’s a work in process, there’s no fear of winning or losing. Although we play to win 100 percent, I don’t think that is the main thing, but it’s a process and it’s a process of evaluation.”

Rabada is embracing the responsibility that comes with being the senior player in Australia, with the likes of teen talents Kwena Maphaka and Lhuan-dre Pretorius looking up to him for guidance.

Being the most experienced player in the squad, Rabada has the responsibility to lead from the front. The youngsters are looking up to him and captain Aiden Markram to show them the ropes.

Rabada added: “We’ve got some exciting talent coming through. They’re just waiting and raring to go. So they’ll be wanting to thrive on this stage. Players like myself, Aiden, we’ve been on the circle for quite some time. So, we are adopting the leadership position, the senior positions, and it’s normal.

“We’ve got Kwena Maphaka, an extremely exciting talent. Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius. [Remembering] when I came here for the first time, that reminds me of the space that they’re in.

“I’m sure they just want to do their best. When you’re young, you’ve got no fear at all. I’m excited to see how they’re going to go in their careers.”