Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting lauded South African pacer Kagiso Rabada for his exceptional five-wicket haul at Lord’s during the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Rabada’s performance earned him a place on the prestigious Lord’s Honours Board, surpassing Allan Donald’s Test wicket tally for South Africa with his scintillating display.
Ponting highlighted Rabada’s impressive performance, drawing parallels to his previous visit to the venue in 2022 during a Test against England. He compared Rabada’s recent exploits to the career of his former teammate Glenn McGrath, who also excelled at the famous ground. “Glenn McGrath was also exactly the same at Lord’s,” Ponting remarked. He noted McGrath’s fondness for bowling at Lord’s, appreciating his ability to utilize the slope from both ends, a factor often overlooked. Ponting emphasized the importance of star players stepping up in crucial games.
In three matches at Lord’s, Rabada has secured 18 wickets at an average of 16.83, including two five-wicket hauls, the most by a South African bowler. McGrath, in comparison, took 26 wickets in three matches at an average of 11.50, with his best figures being 8/38.
Ponting also addressed Rabada’s recent off-field challenges, expressing his belief that the bowler, now back on the international stage, would be motivated to lead his team and perform. Ponting advised the Australian batsmen to capitalize on the favorable batting conditions expected in their second innings.
