Rabada’s Five-for Shines, But Missed Review Haunts South Africa

South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada delivered a stellar five-wicket haul (5-51) on the opening day of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, but a missed LBW review proved costly. Australia’s Beau Webster, initially struck on the pad at 8, survived as South Africa opted against a review, later scoring 72 runs in Australia’s 212 all out.

At stumps, South Africa collapsed to 43-4, trailing by 169 runs. Rabada’s performance moved him past Allan Donald to become South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker with 332 Test wickets. He admitted frustration over the missed review, saying, “It’s a bit annoying”.

Australia’s Steve Smith, who scored 66, expressed surprise at the lack of a review, while Mitchell Starc’s 2-10 kept Australia in a strong position. Rabada credited Stuart Broad’s advice on field placements and conditions for his bowling success.