Just six weeks ago, Kagiso Rabada found himself on the sidelines of international cricket due to a suspension. On Wednesday, the South African pace spearhead was receiving a standing ovation at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Rabada’s sensational 5-wicket haul, 5 for 51 in 15.4 overs, dismantled defending champions Australia for a modest 212 on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship final.

“It feels like a home game,” Rabada said after his heroics. “I`m just happy I could do a job out there. All of us started really well, I just got the rewards today.”

Rabada’s performance not only set the tone for South Africa’s challenge in the final, but also brought him personal milestones. He made an early impact with two key wickets in the morning session, but it was his spell after tea that truly lit up Lord’s. His third scalp, clean bowling Australian captain Pat Cummins, saw him tie with the legendary Allan Donald at 330 Test wickets.