KG RABADA EXCITED ABOUT BEN STOKES BRINGING HIS 'X-FACTOR' TO MI CAPE TOWN

Kagiso Rabada has thrilled crowds all over the world with his exhilarating fast bowling.

He has stood at the top of his mark at coliseums such as the MCG, Lord’s and Eden Gardens.

But there is nothing like coming home to play in front of his own people that gets the MI Cape Town spearhead more excited.

“South Africa is my favourite place to play cricket, 100% without a doubt. And Newlands is one of my favourite grounds too. A classic, with the mountain and the cricket support that's there,” Rabada told Betway SA20.

“I mean, what else is there to be said? For me, the most exciting thing is just playing cricket at home.”

Rabada has kept some of his most memorable performances for the Newlands faithful. His 50th Test for the Proteas at the foot of Table Mountain was certainly a memorable experience when Rabada went head-to-head with Indian legend Virat Kohli, who was one of his four victims on the day.

This was just one of the many tussles Rabada had enjoyed at Newlands. Another fierce battle was with England’s maverick allrounder Ben Stokes.

For all Stokes’ feats since - and there have certainly been some epic innings post Newlands January 2016 - but the current England captain has never been as dominant as he was over the course of his career-best 258 in Cape Town.

Stokes’ special innings is engrained in Rabada’s memory - and everyone who attended the New Year’s Test - and the big fast fast bowler is certainly excited to now be sharing the home dressing room together as MI Cape Town teammates in the upcoming Betway SA20 Season 3.

Kagiso Rabada is excited to have England legend Ben Stokes and New Zealand ace bowler Trent Boult as part of the star-studded MI Cape Town squad.

“Playing with Ben Stokes in SA20 is going to be exciting. You know, he's an X-Factor player and it will be cool to see how he is in the changeroom,” Rabada said.

“Yeah, me and Ben have had our tussles on the field, but I'm sure, you know, when we play for the same team, it will be much different. That's how it is. He looks, Ben does look like a team guy.

“I feel like he'll play for the team no matter what. And I think that will be a cool dynamic.”

Rabada is equally excited to be joining up with New Zealand’s premier swing bowler Trent Boult again. The pair formed a formidable new-ball partnership at MI New York when they won the inaugural Major League Cricket title last year, and Rabada is hoping they can repeat their success with MI Cape Town.

“I've played with Trent before, so I know him pretty well,” Rabada said. “He also brings a lot of vibe, excitement, and experience too.

“So, I'm really glad that Trent is making the move down south.”