Johannesburg - Following his call-up to the Proteas T20 squad to play Australia in November, young Lions fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada says it has always been his dream to play for South Africa.
The Proteas selected a number of new faces to do battle with Australia in a three-match T20 series starting on November 5, and the under-19 World Cup winning Rabada will have the chance to don his senior Proteas colours for the first time in the same year as his junior success.
"It's been a dream of mine to play for South Africa. The fact that my dream is actually taking place is so wonderful I can't describe it in words," Rabada said on Tuesday.
"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."
Rabada took 14 wickets at the under-19 World Cup in five matches. Since securing a contract with the Highveld Lions, he has claimed 11 wickets in five matches, across four-day and list A formats.
While it is likely Rabada will still have a while to wait before he makes a match 11 for the Proteas, the 19-year-old said he was ready 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."
Already with a first-class highest score of 48 not out, against the Titans in the first game of the season at the Wanderers, Rabada backed his ability 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."