Rabada pleased to get overs under his belt ahead of World Cup opener

May 25 (CRICKETNMORE) - Kagiso Rabada took more than any other player from South Africa's Cricket World Cup warm-up victory over Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old quick, in the world's top ten bowlers in Tests and ODIs, will lead the Proteas attack as they bid for a first-ever tournament victory. 

Rabada felt his own search for sharpness proved the value of warm-up contests with hosts England looming in next Thursday's opening game. 

"I felt a bit rusty, but it was good to get a run out in the middle and get a feel for things again," he said.

"There's no pain. I'm feeling alright, just rusty in terms of my bowling smoothness. But it's all a work in progress. 

"That's why we have warm-up games so it'll be a challenge for me to get ready before the tournament starts.

"I've got my own cues I need to work on. I know that I just need to analyse a bit what happened against Sri Lanka and just work on a few things. 

"I'm not really thinking about it too much. It's just a case of running in and focussing on my cues."

Rabada, the leading wicket-taker with 25 scalps in the group stage of the recently concluded IPL, returned 1-40 from his seven overs in the 87-run triumph. South Africa boast one of the competition's most formidable bowling attacks and Lungi Ngidi took 2-12 from six overs in Cardiff as a reminder of his class. 

The Proteas will need all of their bowling firepower as they face Eoin Morgan's England batting powerhouse, averaging 341 in first innings since the 2015 World Cup. 

True to form Rabada is spoiling for the challenge and already relishing his first appearance at a World Cup. 

"It's great to play for South Africa again. It's an honour to represent your country on such a big stage as the World Cup," he said.

"England is going to be a stiff challenge, but an enjoyable one. 

"It's crunch time - the first game of the World Cup and it's going to go down in history.

"They're a strong team, with good batsmen and bowlers. Multiple players from our team have played against England, we're familiar with them and that helps. 

"On the day, we have to rock up. With the quality they possess, we need to make sure we are on top."

ICC Media Release