'The ban could serve as a big motivation' - Bavuma backs Rabada ahead of WTC final
"He had a conversation with the team and put himself on the spot for further questioning from any of the players. As far as we are concerned, that's kind of behind us," said Bavuma.
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South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has acknowledged that Kagiso Rabada's recent ban could serve as motivation for the pacer ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023/25 final against Australia at Lord’s, set to begin on June 11.
Rabada tested positive for cocaine in January, which came to light in April. As a result, he served a one-month ban while competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The incident has been an unfortunate and embarrassing chapter for the right-arm fast bowler, who holds the second spot in the world Test bowling rankings.
"It's definitely a motivation. It's been a couple of weeks now that everything has unfolded. He had a conversation with the team and put himself on the spot for further questioning from any of the players. As far as we are concerned, that's kind of behind us, we really come here with the focus of what we need to do," Bavuma said in a press conference.
"And I think he's in the best shape that he's ever been. Playing against the Australians as well, that'll be extra motivation for him. I think he's in a very good space," he added.
WTC Final 2025: Proteas name Playing XI for AUS battle
Bavuma backs Ngidi to come good against Australia alongside Rabada
The 30-year-old bowler will spearhead South Africa's bowling attack alongside Marco Jansen, with Lungi Ngidi set to be the first change. Ngidi was picked over veteran Dane Paterson, who had been a contender due to his experience on English soil. The Proteas also made a move by promoting all-rounder Wiaan Mulder to No. 3 in the batting order for the WTC final. This marks South Africa’s first-ever appearance in the WTC final, where they will face defending champions Australia
"It's probably one of the tougher decisions that we've had to make. It was more from a tactical point of view; probably a little bit more pace coming from Lungi," said the South African skipper.
"He's quite young, obviously, in that position. But having seen the way he's kind of grown in the last two years within the red-ball game, it's about giving him a lot more confidence, backing him, and just allowing him to do what he does best," Bavuma concluded.
South Africa Playing XI in WTC final:
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
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