Ben won’t expect Rabada to ease off
Ben Stokes will welcome kindred spirit Kagiso Rabada back from his ban as the firebrand pair prepare to do battle again in the third Investec Test at The Oval.
Rabada missed South Africa’s series-levelling 340-run victory over England at Trent Bridge last week, disciplined for swearing after dismissing Stokes in the first Test at Lord’s.
He will bolster the tourists’ already formidable attack in the Oval’s 100th Test, and the hosts’ charismatic all-rounder expects him to return unbowed – if wary of minding his Ps and Qs this time.
“I have no bad blood with him or any grudges if anything it just shows he cares about how he performs,” said Stokes.
“Unfortunately with stump mics - if you are going to say something loudly - it can’t be a swear word, as I know personally.
“I would be very surprised if he calms anything down.
“That is what makes him the bowler he is - it is part of his repertoire, quick and aggressive.”
Stokes is already on the International Cricket Council’s demerit register, the same totting-up procedure which resulted in Rabada’s one-match suspension.
He added: “It is part of the game ... you just need to be careful with what you say and where you say it.
“Weneedtounderstand that sometimes when you get caught up in the moment you sort of forget that there are stump mics and cameras about everywhere.
“We need to know there’s people watching at home, kids watching - and if we get heard using language like that it’s not going to be good for the game.”