Rabada’s Masterclass at Lord’s Joins Him with Legends on a Day of Drama
What a day it was at Lord’s! The opening day of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia truly lived up to its hype. And at the heart of it all was Kagiso Rabada—raw, relentless, and rewriting history. Rabada didn’t just deliver a five-wicket haul, he etched his name into cricketing folklore by joining a club so exclusive it had only one member before: Gordon Greenidge.
For those unfamiliar with the tradition at Lord’s, any player who scores a century or takes five wickets in an innings during a Test match gets their name immortalized on the Honours Board. But to appear in both the home and away dressing rooms? That’s another level entirely. Until now, only Greenidge held that honour. With South Africa designated the "home" side for this final, Rabada’s 5-51 now earns him that rare double.
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And this wasn’t just any five-for. It came with a statement. Under overcast skies and amidst swirling winds, Rabada delivered an impeccable spell—84% of his deliveries landing on a good length, the most in any innings of his career. You could see the influence of Stuart Broad, who shared strategic insights with the Proteas before the match. Broad, a Lord’s legend himself, seems to have passed on more than a few tricks of the trade.
Rabada started by tormenting Usman Khawaja with 19 balls outside off before finally finding the edge with a Broadian delivery. Then came Cameron Green, undone by subtle movement and superb control. Australia were rocked. Despite a mid-innings recovery from Steve Smith and Beau Webster, their collapse from 194-5 to 212 all out told the real story—Rabada leading the way, both in spirit and skill.
What makes Rabada’s story even more compelling is the personal redemption arc. Just recently, he served a short ban for recreational drug use—a moment he admits wasn’t his finest. But true champions don’t just bounce back, they bounce back big. “Every game I play for South Africa, I try to do my best,” Rabada said calmly. And he delivered. His effort also pushed him past Allan Donald into fourth on South Africa’s all-time wicket-takers list, now sitting on 332 Test scalps. Only legends like Ntini, Pollock, and Steyn remain ahead.
Yet, cricket being the great leveller it is, Australia weren’t about to sit back and admire. Mitchell Starc came roaring in with fire and purpose, dismantling South Africa’s top order with venom and swing. Aiden Markram went for a duck, Rickelton edged off nervously, and suddenly South Africa were four down for just 43. The drama was relentless.
Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham now hold the Proteas’ hopes for Day Two, but whatever unfolds, Rabada has already ensured that this match will be remembered. For his name, soon to be in gold letters again. For the comeback. And for the moment the World Test Championship final finally felt like a true cricketing spectacle.
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