'Gets the best out of me': Proteas firebrand Kagiso Rabada warns Aussies over 'notorious' sledging

Kagiso Rabada has sent a timely warning to Australia ahead of the upcoming World Test Championship final, claiming their "notorious" sledging will only fire him up more.

The star spearhead is coming off a recent suspension for recreational drug use, but has been cleared to play in the clash at Lord's, which begins on June 11.

Rabada will be a crucial part of any chance the Proteas have of winning, but knows that the Aussies will be looking to light the fuse in the blockbuster showdown.

READ MORE: 'Cost me a lot': Injured star calls for hip drop 'review'

READ MORE: Kennedy opens up on Gout rivalry after historic run

READ MORE: Why cross-code superstar won't be favourite for top award

"They come at you and I think that gets the best out of me," he told SABC Sport.

"Any type of verbal abuse, or if the media want to say something, that's normal, that's the field we play in. You can't be ignorant to it, you have to be aware.

"I don't think it is anything that is going to slow me down.

"They have been notorious for that over the years, right? So yeah, let's see."

The 30-year-old has a storied history against Australia, dating back to the infamous sandpaper series, where he barged into Steve Smith in the middle of the pitch.

Former assistant coach Malibongwe Maketa also urged the Aussies not to poke the bear and believes Rabada will be up to the task.

"With their history, it brings in a different pressure in terms of facing Australia and their record precedes them," he told SportsBoom.

"You know for a fact that it's going to be relentless pressure, not only from the bowling, but also from the body language, from the fielders ... the pressure comes even from the public. It is intimidating. You feel a different energy when you're about to play them.

"I don't think he identifies with the word pressure in the sense that he actually goes towards the fact that it's tough, he thrives under pressure.

"I think the Australians have learned now. I don't think the current crop of players would say too much to KG because they know what they would bring out in him."

Rabada's recent off-field indiscretion has earned him plenty of criticism - most notably from former Aussie captain Tim Paine - but the right-arm quick is hoping to leave it all behind him when he trots out for the Proteas in a bid to claim the WTC trophy.

"Look, this is not an ideal situation," Rabada told reporters recently.

"It led me to a bit of introspection about myself and I took some time away. I think the biggest thing I took away from it is having gratitude for playing the game that we love.

"I'm just glad to be playing again … the process was handled really well.

"As a player, and a man, people will have their different opinions. I can live with that."