Kagiso Rabada Shines Amid Proteas’ Collapse on Dramatic Opening Day of Test Final

Kagiso Rabada delivered a world-class performance at Lord’s on Wednesday. However, his brilliance was overshadowed by a late-day collapse from the Proteas. The World Test Championship final against Australia got off to a rollercoaster start.

Bowling Takes Centre Stage in London

The first day of the highly anticipated final produced fireworks. There were 14 wickets tumbling in a gripping display dominated by fast bowlers from both camps. After winning the toss and electing to field, South Africa’s pace attack put Australia under immediate pressure. For much of the day, the Proteas appeared to have the upper hand.

Rabada, leading from the front, tore through Australia’s top and lower order with a superb spell of 5/51. This was his 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and his second at the iconic venue. He was ably supported by Marco Jansen, who claimed 3/49 as the Baggy Greens were skittled for 212 in just 57 overs.

Proteas in Control – Then Collapse

With Australia dismissed inside two sessions, the Proteas seemed poised to take charge. However, what followed was a devastating collapse. This collapse shifted momentum squarely in the defending champions’ favour. South Africa crumbled to 43/4 at the close of play, still 169 runs behind and facing a stern uphill battle in their first innings.

Despite their early dominance, the top order failed to cope with Australia’s retaliatory onslaught with the ball. The opening quartet of batsmen managed only 30 runs combined. Ryan Rickelton (16) was the lone contributor in double digits among the top five.

Bavuma and Bedingham Hold the Fort

As wickets fell rapidly, captain Temba Bavuma showed grit and resilience. He ground through 37 deliveries to end the day unbeaten on three. Alongside him, David Bedingham remained not out on eight, with the pair tasked with stabilizing the innings. They needed to keep the Proteas’ hopes of a maiden global Test crown alive.

Smith and Webster Provide Resistance

Earlier in the day, after losing four early wickets, Australia found brief stability through Steve Smith and Beau Webster. The duo added 79 for the fifth wicket, with Smith anchoring the innings for a gritty 66 before falling to Jansen. Webster pressed on with a well-crafted 72. However, the partnership’s end marked the beginning of a swift Australian collapse, expertly engineered by Rabada and Jansen.

Kagiso Rabada Keeps Faith

Despite the dramatic turn of events, Rabada remained upbeat. He acknowledged the match was still wide open. “There’s still a lot of cricket to be played,” he noted, reflecting on the Proteas’ mixed fortunes. His five-wicket heroics underscored his value on the big stage. He’ll be hoping for a more resilient batting effort from his teammates on day two.

Momentum Swings in the Balance

The Proteas began the day with purpose and pace. However, their struggles with the bat have left them in a precarious position. With six wickets remaining and a significant deficit to erase, the pressure is squarely on South Africa’s middle and lower order. They must deliver under pressure and ensure Rabada’s heroics weren’t in vain.