BEN STOKES was told to “f*** off” the last time he faced Kagiso Rabada — yet is a big fan of South Africa’s fast bowler.
The pair come into conflict again tomorrow when Rabada returns for the Third Test at The Oval after a one-match ban.
Stokes does not expect or want Rabada, 22, to reduce his aggression.
That is because England’s star all-rounder sees many of his own characteristics in Rabada — including knowing what makes him see red.
Stokes, 26, said: “We are similar. Personalities like us will sometimes start something.
“But it’s good to be in a battle and spectators want to see those individual battles.
“There isn’t bad blood between us. We often see each other in the changing-rooms and there’s no beef.”
Rabada’s foul-mouthed send-off in the First Test earned a ban because he already had a de-merit point on his record.
His return will strengthen a Proteas team whose crushing 340-run victory at Trent Bridge levelled the series at 1-1 with two Tests to play.
Stokes said Rabada’s biggest mistake at Lord’s was to use bad language within range of the stump mic.
When the paceman dismissed Stokes for a second time, he put his finger to his lips and tapped the top of his head, apparently mocking the Durham man’s diminishing thatch. That’s how Stokes took it, anyway.
England’s vice-captain, who has also had on-field battles with India skipper Virat Kohli and West Indies irritant Marlon Samuels, added: “When you get caught up in the moment, you sometimes forget there are stump mics.
“There are people watching at home, there are kids watching, and it’s not good to be heard using bad language. But at the same time, we’re out there trying to perform on the biggest stage. Sometimes language can be thrown around that you wouldn’t necessarily say in front of children.
“Maybe we should just say it on the boundary rather than next to the stumps.
“His comment came out of nowhere, which is why I turned round.
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“If anything, it shows he cares about how he performs and I’d be very surprised if he calms anything down.
“That’s what makes him the bowler he is, to be quick and aggressive.
“I’m on a de-merit point as well. Sometimes there is a moment in the game that flicks a switch with me — it’s more with my bowling than batting.
“It gets the adrenalin going and you get into individual battles with the guy at the other end.”
South Africa’s master batsman Hashim Amla, who scored 311 not out against England at The Oval five years ago, is another who does not want Rabada to rein in his aggression.
Amla said: “KG is a wonderful bowler. He comes with great intensity, he’s got a fiery nature on the field — off the field, he’s as chilled as it gets.
“I’m sure he doesn’t want to get banned again. He enjoys his bowling by being fiery and having great intensity.
“We want him to bowl with the same fiery nature.”
England were heavily criticised after collapsing twice at Trent Bridge but Stokes is angry at anybody saying they lacked heart or fight.
He insisted: “For anyone to question our fight or desire is wrong.
“They should know how much it means to play for England and to wear the Three Lions on your chest.
“To be questioned about your desire and commitment and fight for England was a bit far — but we have to take criticism of performances.”
England appear certain to stick with all-rounder Liam Dawson at No 8, which means Middlesex left-hander Dawid Malan must wait for his Test debut.
Essex batsman Tom Westley has already been told he will replace the injured Gary Ballance at No 3.
England will decide over the next 24 hours whether to retain Mark Wood, whose pace was down in the Second Test, or give him a rest and hand a debut to Middlesex’s Toby Roland-Jones.
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