Kagiso Rabada happy to share a beer with Ben Stokes despite previous confrontations

Kagiso Rabada claims he would be happy to share a beer with Ben Stokes despite the foul-mouthed send-off that earned him a Test ban.

The South Africa pace bowler returned to the team for the Third Test against England here, after missing his team’s win at Trent Bridge due to the suspension.

Rabada earned a fourth demerit point – triggering the penalty – for swearing at Stokes after getting him out in the First Test at Lord’s. He is back with the Investec Series level at 1-1, and with England closing a rain-interrupted opening day on 171 for four.

Asked whether he would retain his aggressive streak, Rabada said: “It’s simple: just don’t swear, but be yourself. I don’t have any bad intentions. Ben Stokes and I talk off the field and we’ll have a beer after the game.

“It just gets competitive, because we have a history of playing against one another that sparks our competitiveness. I will not stop playing the way I am playing. I just have to follow the rules.”

Alastair Cook made 82 not out to hold the England innings together. On his debut, Cook’s Essex team-mate Tom Westley made 25 and was frustrated at his dismissal in the first over after lunch.

Westley had worked hard but ruined it by driving at Chris Morris’ away-swinger, with captain Faf Du Plessis taking the catch at second slip.

Westley said: “The ball nipped around and swung today but Cooky showed that if you work hard and persist, you can fight through it. That is one of his best qualities.”