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Rabada’s Clinical Five-For Adds to Lord’s Legacy
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has joined an exclusive Lord’s club, doubling its membership to two.
The prestigious Lord’s honours board traditionally commemorates players achieving five-wicket hauls or centuries in Test matches at the ground.
Prior to the World Test Championship (WTC) final, only one player had achieved this feat in both the home and away dressing rooms throughout the venue’s 141-year history of Test cricket.
West Indies legend Gordon Greenidge held this unique distinction.
His scores of 214 not out and 103 against England in 1984 and 1988, respectively, are displayed in the away dressing room.
Less known is his inclusion in the home dressing room for his 122 runs scored for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) against the Rest of the World in 1987.
With South Africa occupying the home dressing room for the WTC final, Rabada’s five-wicket haul (5-51) secured his place alongside Greenidge in this elite group.
A temporary marker bearing Rabada’s name has been added to the board, pending the official gold lettering.
Given the board’s 2018 refurbishment and exclusion of neutral Test matches, this inscription may become permanent.
“It’s great to be on the board in the home dressing room now,” commented Rabada, already featured in the away dressing room for his 5-52 against England in 2022.
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Stuart Broad’s Pre-Match Advice to Rabada
Speculation suggests Rabada may have benefited from insider knowledge from fellow fast bowlers.
South Africa strategically engaged Stuart Broad, a player himself on the honours board for both batting and bowling, for pre-match consultation.
Broad, with his 113 wickets at Lord’s, offered valuable insights into the ground’s conditions.
Rabada’s diligent application of this advice is evident in CricViz data showing 84% of his day-one deliveries were on a good length, a career high.
His dismissal of Usman Khawaja, reminiscent of Broad’s style, showcased his improved technique.
“Stuart provided valuable advice on field placements and adapting to the conditions,” acknowledged Rabada, boasting the second-best strike-rate (39.1) among bowlers with 100+ wickets (second only to George Lohmann).
“The ball swung and moved off the pitch. We aimed for a lower total, but that’s cricket.”
Rabada’s performance also served as a form of redemption.
The 30-year-old recently served a ban for recreational drug use.
“It wasn’t my finest moment,” Rabada stated plainly. “Life goes on. I always strive to perform my best for South Africa.”
Despite the 14 wickets falling at Lord’s, Rabada’s success was attributed to his skill and consistency.
“The movement was below average for a Lord’s Test, so it highlights the quality of his bowling,” commented TMS scorer Andy Zaltzman.
Rabada surpassed Allan Donald to become South Africa’s fourth highest Test wicket-taker with 332 wickets.
He trails only Makhaya Ntini (390), Shaun Pollock (421), and Dale Steyn (439).
“I’ve been inspired by South Africa’s greats,” he reflected. “To be on that list is a huge honor.”
Relive Day One of the WTC Final
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