Rabada voWS to rise above media scrutiny

FOLLOWING the recent drug scandal, Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada vowed that he will not be slowed down in the World Test Championship final, regardless of what the English, Australian media or the Australian players throw at him.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

With the Australian team known for their bully mentality and approach to the game, it goes without saying that they will use it in an attempt to deter Rabada from the job at hand.

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 they land in London today, having flown out from OR Tambo International Airport yesterday.

“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," Rabada told the media yesterday.

“You can't be ignorant of it, you just have to be aware of it 100 per cent, but I don't think it's anything that's going to slow me down."