- Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada said they are not going to let Australia get away with proceedings in their ongoing series.
- The hosts took the lead after a handsome six wicket victory in the first Test at Brisbane on Sunday.
- Rabada said they need to rediscover their self-confidence, especially with the bat before next week’s Boxing Day test in Melbourne.
Proteas closer Kagiso Rabada said they are not going to let Australia run amok despite the heavy beating they were subjected to in the first Test in Brisbane on Sunday.
The loss of six wickets to South Africa in two days meant that Proteas are on the verge of losing their first Test series in Australia for 17 years.
They had been successful on their previous three trips but lost 20 wickets for 252 runs in 86 overs meaning they have a fight on their hands.
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The Proteas also ensured Australia sweated for their 35 runs, but the bowlers’ fighting spirit needed to be complemented by a better batting effort.
Rabada said that they will take each and every session to the deep end, even if the odds are firmly against them.
“What we own as South African teams and as South Africans, we never go without a fight,” said Rabada.
“Although Australia needed 34 runs and got a lot of attention from the crowd, we came here to play.
“No matter what the situation is, we will play and keep fighting.”
What the Proteas will need is a lot of self-confidence, although this quality was only sporadically evident in their hitting.
There were admirable batting efforts from Kyle Verreynne, Temba Bavuma and Khaya Zondo, but amid pressure from Australia’s fast bowlers, Proteas’ batting withered.
Rabada is fully aware that Test cricket is as much about belief as it is about technique and temperament, and the pacer says they will rediscover theirs for the Melbourne Boxing Day Test next week.
“The only factor is belief and that is something we have to have,” Rabada said.
“If we don’t have the belief, I don’t think we can go out there and produce performances.
“We also understand that guys don’t go into the middle to throw out their wickets, but I think it all depends on belief.”
