Ricky Ponting, former Australian captain, commended South African bowler Kagiso Rabada for his outstanding performance at Lord’s, where he took five wickets during the first day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. This achievement earned Rabada a place on the Lord’s Honours Board and also saw him surpass the legendary Allan Donald’s Test wicket count for South Africa.
Ponting was particularly impressed by Rabada’s performance, noting its similarity to his showing at the same venue during South Africa’s 2022 Test against England. Ponting compared Rabada’s recent exploits to the successful career of his former teammate Glenn McGrath at the iconic ground. “Glenn McGrath was also exactly the same at Lord’s,” Ponting said.
Ponting highlighted McGrath’s affinity for bowling at Lord’s and his effective use of the ground’s slope from both ends. He emphasized that key players must perform in important matches. In three matches at Lord’s, Rabada has taken 18 wickets with an average of 16.83, including two five-wicket hauls, the most by a South African. McGrath, in comparison, claimed 26 wickets in three matches, at an average of 11.50, with best figures of 8/38.
Ponting also acknowledged Rabada’s recent off-field struggles, expressing his belief that Rabada would aim to lead his team and perform well. Ponting also advised the Australian batsmen to take advantage of the expected favorable batting conditions in their second innings.