DRUG WYS

FOLLOWING his recent drug scandal, Proteas yster Kagiso Rabada has vowed that he will not let the media and Australia’s players slow him down in the World Test Championship final. 

With captain Pat Cummins and his Australian span are known for their sledging, Rabada can expect a bombardment in the final at Lord’s next week.

The media in the United Kingdom is known for its critical approach, especially when professional athletes have been found in the wrong, as in Rabada’s case.

However, the 30-year-old is fully aware of what lies ahead as South Africa landed in London on Saturday.

Rabada wyses: “That doesn’t change if I’m playing the game of cricket. That’s just what we have to deal with as sportsmen, as athletes. Any verbal abuse or if the media wants to say something about you, it’s normal. That’s the field that we play in. 

“You can’t be ignorant of it, you just have to be aware of it 100 percent, but I don’t think it’s anything that’s going to slow me down.”

With the fast bowler set to lead the bowling attack in what is undoubtedly the biggest Test match of their careers, Rabada emphasised that he is still focused on his role despite all the off-field drama that follows him.

He adds: “It’s always been about cricket. Unfortunately, as athletes, we are always going to be in the public eye. So a lot of things are going to be known about us than someone who’s not in the public eye. It's not going to be the same thing for someone who's not [in the public eye].

“It’s the territory that we’re in and moving into the World Test Championship, the focus is simple. The focus is really simple. It’s about going there to perform. That's the whole reason that we're going there.”