Rabada still looking to improve after stellar 2018

Kagiso Rabada says he can still improve on a “few things” as looks to start the new year on a high note in the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands from Thursday.

The 23-year-old Rabada had a stellar 2018, ending the year as the premier fast bowler in world cricket having picked up 52 wickets – the most by any bowler in the calendar year.

The good news for the Proteas and their supporters is that Rabada will not be resting on his laurels and is continually looking to improve his game.

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The paceman said on Tuesday: “There is obviously a few goals that I would like to achieve, and the team as well. Just improving on a few things I can do better than I did last year.

“There’s always things that you can improve on. You never really arrive ever. But I think it’s just the way I am, I always try and find a way to improve.

“At the same time, I have also learnt how to acknowledge my strengths. I have also learnt that things don’t come quickly. You must always look at the mind and battles that you win.”

Rabada’s ability to come back in his second and third spells and keep his intensity at a high level is what sets him apart from most fast bowlers in the longest format.

He attributes his phenomenal stamina to all the work that is being done behind the scenes.

Rabada continued: “I think scientifically the game has come to the stage where it has become more professional.

“You go off the field and there’s protein shakes waiting, there is slower mags waiting, there’s dehydrates, there is coke and water; there is so many tricks because there’s so much science being done.

“The conditioning as well – the fitness trainers are always studying new ways to keep guys on the park. But a large part as well is the will that you have inside, that keeps you going.”

By Nasri Alexander