Rabada wants to be even better

KAGISO RABADA says that despite his newly acquired status as Test cricket’s No 1 bowler, there are always areas in which he can get better.

The ICC’s latest rankings were released following the conclusion of the two New Year’s Tests on Monday, and saw 22-year-old Rabada take over from England’s James Anderson as the world’s top bowler in the five-day format.

“It’s what I’ve always wanted,” said Rabada, who following his showing in the Proteas’ 72-run win in the first Test against India at Newlands, has now taken 110 wickets in 24 Tests.

“Hopefully I keep doing what I’m doing, perform well for myself and win games for the team.”

Not content to rest on his laurels having attained that top ranking in the sport’s premier format, Rabada says he’s continuing to work to get better. “There is always something to improve on, once you get something right, there is something new to work on. There is always a problem... even the skills I have I need to polish, I’m not 100% accomplished,” he said.

Rabada will be in action again in the second Test starting at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Saturday, and while he says he’s saddened by the absence of Dale Steyn – who will miss the rest of the series against India with a bruised heel – he is looking forward to continuing the combination with Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, the latter who was named man of the match in Cape Town after picking up nine wickets.

“Unfortunately Dale is out of the attack now, and (it) would have been an extra bonus bowling with someone like that. I’m glad I got to bowl with him and hopefully I can bowl with him again in the future,” Rabada said. “Our bowling attack is very skilled. It feels great to be playing alongside these veterans.

“I bowl whenever the team wants me to bowl. Obviously I would like to open the bowling. It’s a bit tough at the moment, because there are two very good bowlers opening the bowling. I like to do whatever the team requires... I’ve been really happy with the roles I’ve been given.”

Rabada is not too bothered by the speed at which he bowls, though he understands it’s exciting for the fans to see the numbers click up close to 150km/h. I don’t know how fast I can get, but I always try my best. Sometimes I don’t think the speed gun is telling the truth. The pace is already there, what is important is the skill,” Rabada said.