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Returning Rabada 'raring to go'

Young Proteas superstar back for crucial third Test after missing Trent Bridge win due to suspension

South Africa are set to be boosted by the return of young tearaway Kagiso Rabada for the third Test against England, beginning on Thursday at The Oval in London.

Rabada was suspended for the Proteas huge second Test win at Trent Bridge, where the tourists rolled Joe Root's side for 133 in the second innings to complete a 340-run thrashing and square the series.

The 22-year-old landed in hot water with the ICC after giving England allrounder Ben Stokes a send-off, and was subsequently banned for one Test through an accumulation of demerit points.

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His return to the XI looks likely to come at the expense of Duanne Olivier, who got his chance at Nottingham following Rabada's suspension but was less effective than fellow quicks Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Chris Morris.

"'KG' is one of our best bowlers," said Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt. "He is the type of guy who steps up when the heat is on.

"Having KG back is a big bonus for us. He is a youngster with a lot of energy, he will come with a lot of energy. I have no doubt he will step up."

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Rabada, 22, will be looking to grow his tally of 77 wickets in 18 Tests since his debut late in 2015, which includes becoming the youngest South African to take 10 wickets in a Test match with his match haul of 13-144 against England last year.

Langeveldt insisted the youngster was fit and champing at the bit to make his return to Test action.

"He did a lot of work before play during the second Test in Nottingham," he said.

"He bowled his overs and got his workload up, he will be raring to go.

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" He was obviously disappointed about what happened but he has learned from that.

"The important thing about an incident like this is to learn from it so that it doesn't happen again.

"KG is a strong character and he was positive the whole week, he said come Thursday he wants to be ready for the Test."

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With the series square at one-all, the pace attacks from both sides loom as being crucial on a wicket that might not be as favourable for the fast men as the Trent Bridge pitch.

"It all depends on the overhead conditions," Langeveldt added. "We could come here on Thursday and it could be nice for bowling, it looks like there is a bit of grass.

"If you look at the stats it has always been good for batting.

"We will have to be a bit more aggressive in the second innings, and in the first innings try to contain and do the basics as well and as long as possible."

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And while Rabada returns, South Africa selectors have released batsman JP Duminy from the Proteas' touring party and he will return home with two Tests still to play.

After being dropped for the second Test, South Africa selectors appeared to seal Duminy's immediate – and potentially long-term – Test future with the move.

The gifted left-hander had made 121 runs from his last eight Test innings at an average of 17.28 with a top score of 39.

At the time of his axing, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis said his long-time teammate was well aware he had failed to make the runs needed to justify his place in the side.