Proteas speedster Kagiso Rabada expects England to make things hard for the South Africans when the two sides meet over the coming weeks.
The 50-over world champions are in the country for a limited overs tour which consists of three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and as many One Day Internationals (ODIs) beginning on Friday.
Battle of the speedsters
The 25-year-old will spearhead the hosts’ attack, fresh off a successful stint with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he walked away with the coveted purple cap, awarded to the tournament’s top wicket-taker.
He is one of many exciting speedsters that will be on display throughout the tour, with the likes of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood also expected to provide fireworks for England.
Asked about a possible battle with the duo, Rabada said he appreciated what they bring to the game.
“I’m not looking at how they bowl and trying to do better, although Jofra and Mark are world-class fast bowlers and you have to appreciate the skill they bring,” he told reporters on Monday.
“The IPL was great, but in cricket, especially at the international stage, you have to repeat constantly. It is not an easy place, you’re never in your comfort zone. But you have to keep coming back and doing the same thing.
“Sometimes you hit a purple patch, but most of the other times you’re just scrapping and it’s never easy against England.”
Kagiso Rabada
The T20I series kicks off on Friday 27 November and concludes on Tuesday, 1 December.
ENGLAND TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA: FULL LIST OF FIXTURES
Friday 27 November: 1st T20I South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town (18:00 SAST)
Sunday 29 November: 2nd T20I South Africa v England, Boland Park, Paarl (14:30 SAST)
Tuesday 1 December: 3rd T20I South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town (18:00 SAST)
Friday 4 December: 1st ODI South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town (13:00 SAST)
Sunday 6 December: 2nd ODI South Africa v England, Boland Park, Cape Town (10:00 SAST)
Wednesday 9 December: 3rd ODI South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town (13:00 SAST)
