By Ayanda Nyuswa
Proteas speedster Kagiso Rabada says it feels really special to be part of the Proteas elite list of bowlers who have taken the most wickets in test Cricket. Rabada, 30, hit top form on day 1 of the World test championship final against Australia at Lords, as he returned with figures of 5-51 and spearheaded Australia’s collapse for just 212 in the first Innings. This feat has seen him move passed the legendary Allan Donald to fourth place in South Africa’s all-time list of wicket takers in test Cricket. Only Makhaya Ntini (390), Shaun Pollock (421) and Dale Steyn (439) sit above him.
Despite Rabada’s heroics alongside Marco Jansen who recorded 3-49, South Africa were left reeling at the end of day one’s play as 4 wickets fell for just 43 runs after 22 overs, and trail by 169 runs. The Australian pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchel Starc and Josh Hazelwood did some great damage to South Africa’s batting line up, to place the Aussies back in the fight.
“Yeah 212 you take that, we thought probably 160 is what we should’ve had them at but that’s just the way the game goes. Right now we at 43/4 not the start we were looking for but there’s still a lot of Cricket to be played in this test match so just gonna keep going for it,” said Rabada at the end of play on day one.
“All that you do is try to improve and win games for South Africa. I guess to be named in that list of bowlers is special, as a player growing up and representing South Africa I have been inspired by those who have come before and seeing what they have done on the big stage, as I kid I was inspired to want to do the same thing. I guess to be listed in that list of names something special and long may it continue,”
