'We know how to beat them': Kagiso Rabada stokes flame for WTC final after seventh-straight win
South Africa superstar Kagiso Rabada has thrown the first dagger ahead of the World Test Championship final, claiming his side "know how to beat" Australia.
After a seventh-straight Test victory, completing a series clean sweep over Pakistan, the fiery quick immediately turned his attention to the June showdown for the mace at Lord's.
Speaking to host broadcaster SuperSport after the 10-wicket win at Newlands, Rabada was quizzed about facing the Aussies and sent a reminder to the reigning champions.
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Kagiso Rabada celebrates with Proteas teammates. Getty
"It's actually quite some distance away, but a big occasion like the WTC final gets you up for it," the 29-year-old said.
"It has always been an intense rivalry, because we play cricket quite similar. We play hard and they're going to come hard at us - but we also know how to beat them.
"Test cricket is still alive. It's our best format that we've been playing right now.
"When you look at South African cricket and all our legends, they've all been great Test cricketers. The world's best players are Test cricketers, and this series against Pakistan has been a wonderful advertisement for Test cricket, especially in South Africa."
Rabada took six wickets in the second Test against Pakistan, but it was towering all-rounder Marco Jansen who earned player of the series honours.
Marco Jansen celebrates after the win over Pakistan. Getty
While Australia, the defending WTC title-holders, have a series on the horizon against Sri Lanka, the underdog Proteas are looking to fill their schedule before the final.
Head coach Shukri Conrad hopes his team can lock in a one-off Test to prepare.
"We're going to try and get a Test match, possibly in the UK, against an Ireland or Afghanistan, whoever is free," he said.
"And if unsuccessful, we'll obviously go out a couple of days earlier, and make sure we camp there really well, probably in Canterbury."
The clash between South Africa and Australia will kick off on June 11.
