Rip-roaring Proteas speedster Rabada has more in the tank: 'Seldom you feel at your best'

The scary prospect for Proteas opponents is that star pacer Kagiso Rabada admitted not "very seldom" feeling at his best despite helping guide SA to a series-levelling win against New Zealand on Tuesday.

Rabada edged past Ravichandran Ashwin as the cricketer with the most wickets since January 2021 with 56 scalps to the Indian spinner's 55, having played two Tests fewer.

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He also has the best (lowest) average for any fast bowler with more than 200 Test wickets at 22.41, a statistic that's opened the door for him in the game's greats conversation.

Rabada took 5/60 in the first innings and 3/46 in the second as South Africa beat New Zealand in the second Test in Christchurch to square the series 1-1.

"I think it's very seldom that you feel at your best," said Rabada.

"Every time you go out and play, you just want to implement the basics as well as possible, try to adapt to conditions as well as possible.

"There's always a different challenge that you're facing, and it's all about adapting to it, but also trusting your strengths.

"You try to do all you can to get to your best, but it's very seldom that that happens.

"You just have to try to create your own luck through some hard work and some tactical thinking and getting yourself in a good mental space.

"You almost have to let the rest just happen. That's what I've been trying to do; stick to the process and refine the process.

"Whatever happens will be the fruits of what I sow."

Rabada went into the Test series in New Zealand after producing one of his magnum opus spells in the second Test against India in SA in January.

After head coach Mark Boucher and captain Dean Elgar lit a fire in his belly