Rabada shines as Proteas face tough challenge in WTC Final

Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were at the crease when the Proteas unchoked at Centurion in December last year to qualify for a first-ever ICC World Test Championship final.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

Two big fast fast bowlers embraced passionately in the middle of the wicket after Jansen delightfully steered the winning runs past point.

Jansen hauled out the big bear hug on Rabada again at Lord's on a pulsating opening day of the WTC Final on Wednesday. Only this time it was to celebrate Rabada's five-wicket haul and second at The Home of Cricket.

But much has happened in between these two fateful days. Rabada, of course, tested positive for a banned substance and was instructed to appear before his comrades to apologise for his actions.

It would be fair to say that the redemption is complete now. Coach Shukri Conrad stated at the time: "All I'm interested in now is KG producing performances that we know he's capable of."

Rabada certainly repaid Conrad's trust with a five-star performance that sent Australia carting for 212.

Bristling in from the Nursery End, coupling aggression with accuracy, it made for utterly compelling viewing. And aided by some fabulous catching behind the wicket Rabada finished with 5/51-etching his name onto the Lord's Honours Board yet again.