Rabada has the right attitude

Cape Town - Kagiso Rabada has come a long way in a short period, and he is now one of world cricket's brightest young stars. 

At just 20-years-old, the speedster has eased his way into all three formats for the Proteas and throughout the summer against England he has demonstrated his ability to change matches. 

He finished the recent ODI series as South Africa's leading wicket-taker and he was also the leading wicket-taker in the Test series, despite having missed the opener in Durban.

Now Rabada's attention turns to T20 cricket and next month's ICC World Twenty20 in India. 

According to captain Faf du Plessis, Rabada's growth has a lot to do with the good head he has on his shoulders. 

"KG (Rabada) has gotten better in every game that he’s played. I remember when he played his first T20 he was pretty unsure as to what he was trying to do, and then the last game in India was like he had 50 or 60 T20Is behind his name," Du Plessis said.

"The great thing about him is that he always wants to improve, he’s always asking questions.

"I’m very happy with where he is at. He’s won us a couple of games in One Day cricket at the death now."

It was confirmed this week that Rabada will be joining English county side Kent for a month-long stint at the end of June - a decision that Du Plessis says further highlights Rabada's willingness to learn.

"KG had the option of going to the IPL but he saw more value in going to play county cricket," said Du Plessis.

"The nice thing for him is that South Africa will be touring there … he hasn’t played in those conditions. I think it’s massively important for a young guy to go over and play there.

"KG wants to learn. He’s got such a great head on his shoulders and he doesn’t think he’s the finished article at all. He’s so young, he’s still got lots of years to go play in the IPL."

The Proteas take on England in the first of two T20Is at Newlands on Friday. 

Play is due to start at 18:00.