I’m sleeping with him tonight: Faf du Plessis

Speedster Kagiso Rabada played a central role in South Africa’s 177 run victory over hosts at the WACA today. The 21-year-old, who was playing just his eighth Test, notched match figures of 7-170 in South Africa’s big win, earned his captain’s admiration for his fantastic spell in the absence of spearhead Dale Steyn. And now he may be closer

Rabada bowled superbly and completed his five-wicket haul with the wicket of Mitchell Starc after trapping him leg before. The left-hander was beaten by pace and prodigious swing and could not save his wicket after opting for DRS. Rabada kissed the WACA surface and got one return from his delighted  skipper Faf du Plessis.

“I’m sleeping with him tonight.,” Du Plessis laughed post-match.

“I’m just incredibly proud of him. I have a lot of respect for anyone that really, really puts their hand up and does the hard yards and KG just wanted the ball.” Every time I said to him ‘KG are you tired, are you done?’ he was like ‘no, you’re not taking the ball out of my hands’. That’s the sign of a champion bowler for me. Just someone who wants to be in the fight the whole time.’’

Rabada’s second innings five-wicket haul helped propel South Africa towards their third straight WACA Ground victory, following wins in 2008 and 2012. The talented quick was modest when he was quizzed on his performance post-match.

“I’ve got a responsibility to make sure I produce the goods for the country. You’ve got a job to do and there’s also passion and you do it for your teammates and people back home. Because no-one wants to lose right, so you have to try to do everything you can to win.’’

As if he hadn’t endeared himself to Australian fans enough already, Rabada won the hearts of television viewers when he finished off his interview after collecting the man of the match award by saying “if I am selected” when talking about the second Test in Hobart.

We’re pretty sure you’ll be there, Kagiso.