LONDON — Kagiso Rabada, the prominent South African fast bowler, was sidelined from cricket just six weeks earlier. However, on Wednesday, he was met with applause and a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd at Lord’s.
The admiration was well-deserved as Rabada delivered a spectacular performance in the World Test Championship final, claiming 5-51 in 15.4 overs. His outstanding efforts were instrumental in South Africa’s dismantling of the defending champions, Australia, for a total of 212 runs on the opening day. “On this wicket, any ball seemed to carry potential,” Rabada remarked confidently.
He made an impact early, securing two wickets during the morning session. Following tea, Rabada’s three additional wickets not only boosted the team’s performance but also resulted in significant personal achievements.
When he bowled out Australian captain Pat Cummins, Rabada matched Allan Donald with 330 wickets, reaching fourth place on South Africa’s all-time test wicket-takers list. His subsequent dismissal of Beau Webster enabled him to surpass Donald. The delivery that dismissed Mitchell Starc completed his five-for and earned him a prominent place on the Lord’s honors boards for the second time.
Every time Rabada finished his spell and took position on the boundary, he was met with enthusiastic applause from the sizeable South African supporters’ contingent. “It feels like we’re playing at home,” he expressed. “I’m thrilled to have played my part. We all started strong, and I happened to reap today’s benefits.”
Rabada’s exceptional performance was, to say the least, a turn of events that exceeded his and South Africa’s expectations, especially after testing positive for a recreational drug earlier in January. He owned up to it and subsequently participated in educational programs which led to a reduction of his initial three-month suspension to one month in April. This suspension coincided with the lucrative Indian Premier League season.
Through this challenging period, the Proteas and Cricket South Africa provided Rabada unwavering support. Despite some public discontent over the suspension’s duration, the cricket boards fully endorsed Rabada ahead of the WTC final, equipping him to handle any potential backlash. However, such adverse reaction was largely overshadowed by his success on the field.
Just before his departure from South Africa to London for the final, Rabada reflected on his suspension, sharing, “The most significant takeaway was realizing how grateful I am for the opportunity to play the game we cherish. I’m just thankful to be out there again.” Undoubtedly, all of South Africa shares in that gratitude.