Kagiso Rabada continues to make history as a player for South African cricket. He’s now equaled Shane Warne and climbed all the way up to fourth on the nation’s all-time Test wicket-takers list. The fast bowler had only recently returned from a short suspension for recreational drug use. In his first match at Lord’s, he celebrated with an exhilarating five-wicket haul of 5-51 to take his career wickets total to 332.
Rabada’s achievement sent him soaring past cricketing legend, Allan Donald. It naturally put him among the elite few who have accomplished a five-wicket haul at the iconic venue. His incredible performance earned him a spot on the honours board. On that taxiway, his name will stand out in gold-leaf lettering among the honorees. Indeed, this is a great chapter in his story. His moments of resilience and the heart to stay on top after a few years of near defeats.
Rabada’s five-wicket haul is particularly special when you factor in the personal reflection and redemption he’s gone through in recent years. He emphasized the importance of quality and consistency in his bowling, stating, “So that comes down to quality of bowling and consistency.” This underpins his passion for continuous improvement and delivering world class performance for South Africa.
Throughout the game, Rabada was dinging bowling with intimidating accuracy. On day one, 84% of his deliveries fell on a good length, a career-high. Here he is bowled right arm round the wicket to Australia opener Usman Khawaja, enviably well set-up. This moment only added to the legend of his technical brilliance and tactical genius.
In so doing, Rabada’s match-winning performance at Lord’s puts him in very rare company. Already, he’s joined the company of only one other bowler to do this at the famed ground. He has an impressive five-wicket haul of 5-52 against England at Lord’s in 2022 to boast on his CV. These achievements are honored on the scoreboard inside the visiting team’s locker room.
In expressing his feelings about being recognized on the honours board, Rabada remarked, “It was cool to have it in the home changing room now.” That pride in being an ambassador for South Africa and being selected alongside the best — past and present — shines through in his memories. “As a player, growing up and representing South Africa, I have been inspired by those who have come before and seen what they have done on the big stage,” he said.
In fact, Rabada has overcome quite a few hurdles on his cricket path. He remains committed to ensuring his team is best positioned to succeed. “Life moves on. Every game that I play for South Africa, I try to do my best,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to his country and the sport.
Rabada climbs further up the list of South Africa’s all-time Test wicket-takers. He’s now ahead of only Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock and Dale Steyn. His encore performance is a testament to his talent. It serves as a reminder of his latent potential to continue to rise.
The march towards immortality continues for Kagiso Rabada as he hopes to continue adding milestones to what has already been an illustrious career. His new success at Lord’s glory adds even further sheen to his reputation. It motivates future generations of cricketers across South Africa.
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