The opening day of the World Test Championship Final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground turned into a searing showcase of fast bowling, spearheaded by South Africa’s pace ace Kagiso Rabada. The right-arm quick tore through the Australian batting line-up with ruthless precision, leaving fans, critics, and even seasoned Aussie batters in awe of his relentless aggression and skill. It was a day that belonged entirely to Rabada, as he delivered one of the most memorable spells in a WTC final to date.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia walked out with high hopes, bolstered by a strong batting line-up led by Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith. However, those hopes were quickly shattered as Rabada made the ball talk from the very first over. With overcast conditions offering some early swing and a well-prepared Lord’s pitch adding just enough seam movement, Rabada wasted no time in exploiting every inch of assistance on offer.
His first breakthrough came when he got David Warner to edge one behind in the fifth over. The dismissal set the tone for what would become a collapse the Australian team hadn’t anticipated. Rabada followed it up with a ripping delivery to trap Marnus Labuschagne lbw for a duck — a ball that jagged back in sharply and beat the inside edge. Steve Smith, known for his resilience in Test matches, lasted a little longer but eventually fell to a well-directed short ball, top-edging a pull into the hands of fine leg.
By lunch, Rabada had three wickets to his name and Australia were already reeling. The crowd at Lord’s, traditionally respectful and reserved, rose in applause multiple times for the South African quick, whose energy and charisma lit up the grey London skies. His post-lunch spell was equally menacing, and he soon returned to dismiss Travis Head with an absolute peach — full, fast, and swinging late to knock back the off-stump.
Rabada finished the day with figures of 5 for 39 in 15.2 overs, a masterclass in fast bowling that swung the momentum completely in South Africa’s favor. His control, especially with the new ball, was immaculate. Every wicket came not just from brute pace but from outthinking the batter — a hallmark of a matured and complete fast bowler.
Australia were bundled out for just 182 by the end of the day, a total far below par considering the significance of the occasion. With a dry surface expected to deteriorate, South Africa now have a golden opportunity to seize control of the match early in their first innings. The pressure on the Australian bowlers has doubled, thanks to Rabada’s early blitz.
For Rabada, this performance not only reaffirmed his status as one of the best Test bowlers in the world but also added another glorious chapter to his growing legend. To dominate on the grandest stage, at the most storied ground in world cricket, is the kind of moment fast bowlers dream of. And on this day, Kagiso Rabada made that dream come alive in the most devastating fashion possible.