Following his call-up to the Proteas T20 squad to play Australia in November, Kagiso Rabada feels he’s ready to make the step up from U19 to the senior ranks.

South Africa selected a number of new faces, in a squad led by JP Duminy, to face Australia in a three-match T20 series starting on November 5. The under-19 World Cup winning Rabada is in the squad and is excited by the prospect of making his debut.

‘It’s been a dream of mine to play for South Africa,’ said Rabada. ‘The fact that my dream is actually taking place is so wonderful I can’t describe it in words.

‘There’s still a long way to go for me, I still want to achieve much more. This will be a great start for me.’

The former St. Stithians pupil took 14 wickets at the under-19 World Cup in five matches. He has followed it up by claimed 11 wickets in five matches, across formats, for the Highveld Lions. Despite the tour being a valuable learning experience, Rabada says that he expects to play.

‘To be honest I will be disappointed if I don’t play, but if it’s best for the team that I don’t play, then I won’t play.

‘I’m looking to play every game, but if I don’t it’s not the end of the world.’

The youngster showed that he’s no mug with the bat by scoring 48 not out against the Titans in the first game of the four-day season. It would have been a surprise to many, but Rabada feels he can contribute in all disciplines.

‘I’ve always strived to not be a one-dimensional player. I want to do well in everything I do.

‘That includes in the field as well. It was nice getting some runs with the bat and it just gives me confidence to keep making runs. It also proves to me I can do it.’

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