Daijiworld Media Network- London

London, Jun 12: South Africa’s pace sensation Kagiso Rabada etched his name deeper into the history books as he overtook legendary fast bowler Allan Donald to become the country’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, following a fiery five-wicket haul against Australia in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s.

With this feat, Rabada’s tally now stands at 332 Test wickets, placing him behind only Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock, and Makhaya Ntini in South Africa’s illustrious bowling charts.

“To be named in that list of bowlers is special,” Rabada said after the day’s play. “As a player growing up and representing South Africa, I’ve been inspired by those who came before me. To be listed among those names is special and long may it continue.”

The 29-year-old speedster was instrumental in dismantling the Aussie batting line-up on Day 1, striking early by removing opener Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green. He returned later to dismiss captain Pat Cummins, followed by Beau Webster and Mitchell Starc, sealing his 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Thanks to Rabada’s efforts, South Africa managed to restrict defending champions Australia to 212 runs, though the pacer felt they had a chance to finish things earlier. “We thought we should've had them at 160, but that's just the way the game goes,” he admitted.

However, the joy was short-lived as Australia’s bowlers struck back hard. The Proteas were reduced to 43/4 by stumps, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins sharing the early blows.

Rabada assessed the conditions at Lord’s, saying, “The ball is nipping quite a bit, especially off the slope. But batters can still get in if they hang in there. We’ll just keep going for it. There’s a lot of cricket still to be played in this match.”

With plenty at stake and momentum swinging both ways, the Test at Lord’s promises to be a classic. Rabada, with history already made, now looks to script another chapter in South Africa’s quest for Test glory.