Kagiso Rabada is keen to move on from his positive drugs test as South Africa prepare for the World Test Championship final, saying he "will never be Mr-I-apologise-too-much".
Rabada completed a one-month suspension after testing positive for recreational drug use at this year's SA20 competition.
However, he has been named in the Proteas' squad to take on Australia at Lord's, with the one-off Test taking place between June 11 and 15.
The 30-year-old paceman, who has taken 327 wickets in 70 red-ball matches for South Africa, told reporters on Saturday: "I'm just glad to be playing again.Â
"The process was handled really well. I think, as a player and a man, people will have their different opinions. I can live with that.
"There are some people who would have been disappointed, and to those people I'm deeply sorry. The people closest to me are the ones I felt I let down.
"But life moves on. I'll never be 'Mr-I-apologise-too-much'. But I'll never condone that action."
Rabada, who will spearhead a pace attack that also includes the returning Lungi Ngidi, intends to speak to his team-mates to explain the circumstances surrounding his ban.
"I think I owe it to them. They're my team-mates. We've come so far," he added.
"I've already spoken to them, and I guess we can do so in more detail when we get together for an extended amount of time."
South Africa topped the World Test Championship standings for 2023-25, winning eight of their 12 matches while losing three (one draw) for a 69.4% win rate.
Australia managed 13 wins, two draws, and four defeats in the same span, with their 67.5% win rate putting them well clear of third-placed India (50%).
