Despite a stellar five-wicket haul in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, Kagiso Rabada couldn’t shake off a nagging regret. The South African pace bowler trapped Australia’s Beau Webster on the pads early in his innings, with Webster only on eight. Umpire Richard Illingworth turned down the appeal, and South Africa decided against using a review. Replays later showed the ball would have clipped the middle stump, a costly oversight.
Webster went on to score a valuable 72, contributing significantly to Australia’s total of 212 all out. South Africa then struggled, ending the day at 43-4, trailing by 169 runs.
Rabada’s impressive figures of 5-51 propelled him past Allan Donald to become South Africa’s fourth-highest Test wicket-taker, now boasting 332 wickets compared to Donald’s 330. “Corbin Bosch came down to fine leg and said it was out and I was like, ‘Oh no!’,” Rabada lamented, expressing his frustration. Steve Smith, at the non-striker’s end, also admitted surprise at the review refusal, saying, “It looked pretty good to me from the other end.”
This performance marked Rabada’s return to international cricket following a one-month suspension for recreational drug use. He brushed off the ban, stating, “It wasn’t my best moment but life goes on.” He also revealed that advice from former England bowler Stuart Broad on field placings and utilizing the conditions had been helpful.
When asked about joining the ranks of South African legends Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock, and Makhaya Ntini, Rabada humbly replied, “It’s honestly very simple — all that you do is try to improve and win games for South Africa… To be on that list of bowlers is special. As a player growing up and playing for South Africa I have been inspired by those have come before and what they have done on the big stage.”
However, with Australia’s Mitchell Starc making early inroads into the South African batting lineup, taking 2-10, the reigning champions appeared to be in a commanding position. Smith, who contributed a crucial 66 himself, felt Australia were “in a good spot,” praising Webster’s innings, “He did a terrific job… Playing in England suits him, the way he scores his runs square of the wicket when it is swinging around. He gets on top of the bounce, being tall, and he defends really well.” The 79-run partnership between Smith and Webster had rescued Australia after a shaky start.
