On a day of highs and lows, South Africa’s pace spearhead reminds the world why he’s in a league of his own.

A Star at the Home of Cricket

When the ball is in Kagiso Rabada’s hand, something electric always feels possible. That feeling became fact on Wednesday, as Rabada tore through Australia’s batting order with clinical precision at Lord’s in the World Test Championship final. The fiery fast bowler picked up 5 for 51, adding yet another five-wicket haul to his impressive record his 17th in Test cricket and catapulting himself into South African cricket history.

With that performance, Rabada surpassed the legendary Allan Donald to become South Africa’s fourth-highest Test wicket-taker. He now sits at 332 wickets, trailing only Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini. For a bowler still only 30 years old, the road ahead looks wide open.

But despite Rabada’s heroics with the ball, it was a bittersweet day for the Proteas.

Proteas Batting Wobbles Under Pressure

After bowling Australia out for 212, South Africa had the perfect platform to seize control of the match. Instead, they stumbled badly with the bat and were reeling at 43 for 4 by stumps still 169 runs behind.

“Getting them out for 212, we’ll take it,” said Rabada in the post-match press chat. “But we also felt we could’ve had them for 160. That’s the way the game goes. Right now, it’s not the start we were looking for with the bat… but there’s still a lot of cricket to be played.”

Captain Temba Bavuma and middle-order batter David Bedingham will resume on Thursday with the weight of a nation on their shoulders, hoping to steady the innings and claw South Africa back into the contest.

Lord’s Honour Board Bragging Rights

In cricket culture, few things hold more cachet than getting your name on the honours board at Lord’s. Rabada now earns that place again, but with a twist.

As part of this final, South Africa have been granted use of the “home” dressing room at the iconic venue, meaning Rabada’s name will be etched into the board in the same space once used by English greats. The quick didn’t hide his delight: “That’s pretty cool,” he said, grinning.

A Legacy in Motion

Rabada’s ascent in the record books isn’t just about numbers, it’s about impact, inspiration, and consistency. Reflecting on his place among South African bowling legends, he said: “Growing up I was inspired by those who came before me. To be among those names is special. Long may it continue.”

For many young South Africans, Rabada is now the one they look up to, a symbol of grit, skill, and pride in the green and gold.

Cricket Twitter Reacts

Fans on social media were quick to heap praise on Rabada. “Lord Rabada of Lord’s,” read one viral tweet, while others lauded his ability to deliver on the world stage, match after match. “Can we just clone this guy already?” joked another user. Even some Australian fans begrudgingly gave him props.

But there was also concern and frustration over the Proteas’ top-order collapse  a recurring theme in recent months. “Rabada can’t do it all alone,” one South African fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The batting lineup has to step up.”

A Test Still in the Balance

It’s only day one, but this World Test Championship final is already brimming with drama. While Rabada’s brilliance lit up Lord’s, the Proteas face an uphill battle to make his efforts count where it matters most on the scoreboard.

As Rabada said himself, “There’s still a lot of cricket to be played.” And if history has taught us anything, it’s to never count South Africa out, especially with KG Rabada in full flight.

{Source: The Citizen}

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