ZA Cricket

Kagiso Rabada has made it clear: he’s done apologising. After serving a one-month suspension following a positive test for a recreational drug during this year’s SA20, the fast bowler is back in South Africa’s national setup—and he’s not looking in the rear-view mirror.

Named in the squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s (June 11–15), the 30-year-old Rabada said he’s addressed the matter, taken accountability, and is focused on cricket.

“I’m just glad to be playing again,” Rabada said before departing for London. “The process was handled really well. People will have different opinions, and I can live with that. Some were disappointed, and to those people I’m deeply sorry—especially the ones closest to me. But life moves on. I’ll never be ‘Mr I-Apologise-Too-Much’. That said, I don’t condone what happened.”

Having already issued a public apology in May, Rabada has since had conversations with his teammates, stressing the importance of healing any wounds left in the dressing room.

“I owe them that,” he said. “They’re more than just colleagues. We’ve come a long way together. I’ve spoken to a few already, and we’ll go deeper once we’re all together again.”

Rabada’s return comes at a crucial time. He is expected to spearhead South Africa’s pace attack in the final against a formidable Australian lineup. Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder, and Dane Paterson provide a range of seam options, while Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy cover the spin department.

The clash at Lord’s marks South Africa’s first appearance in a World Test Championship final. Australia, having won the inaugural edition, are defending champions and will field a star-studded squad featuring Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne, among others.

With the incident behind him and a major final ahead, Rabada is embracing the moment with trademark intensity and perspective.

“Everyone makes mistakes,” he said. “It’s how you respond that defines you.”


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World Test Championship Final
📅 June 11–15
🏟 Lord’s, London
📺 Broadcast in Australia: Prime Video (30-day free trial available)

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett