The BBC reported why Kagiso Rabada has joined Gordon Greenidge as the unique holders of a distinct mark in Lord’s’ 141-year-old history.
After claiming 5-51 against Australia in the first innings and another 4 in the second, the 30-year-old has drawn comparisons with some stellar names, but had another “cool” honours bestowed on him.
Players who take five wickets or score a century get their name etched on to an honours board in gold lettering. The BBC reported that Gordon Greenidge was the first. The BBC wrote: “Before the first day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final, only one other Test player in the storied 141-year history of the longer format at Lord’s has appeared on the honours board in both the home and away dressing rooms. That quirky mark of cricket trivia belonged to legendary West Indies opener Gordon Greenidge. His knocks of 214 not out and 103 against England in 1984 and 1988 respectively adorn the board in the away dressing room. But less well known is the fact he is also on the home dressing room for the 122 he made for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) against the Rest of the World in 1987.”
After Rabada got Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green and Beau Webster, helping SA stay in the contest, Rabada became eligible for the gold lettering. But as South Africa were allocated the home dressing room for the WTC final at the home of cricket, Rabada’s five-wicket haul was enough to see him join Greenidge in the exclusive club, as per BBC.
“A piece of sticky batting tape with Rabada’s name written on it in pen has been attached to the board for his figures of 5-51, as is the tradition for players during matches. The gold lettering should soon follow,” the BBC wrote.
It has been a redemption for Rabada after seeing a doping ban for drinking recreational drug. Pat Cummins however had been all classy and said ahead of the Test that the Aussies wouldn’t weaponise the drug ban to sledge Rabada. “That’s not our style. I doubt that will come up,” he said.
Rabada already appears on the away board after taking 5-52 against England in 2022. “It was cool to have it in the home changing room now,” Rabada was quoted as saying by BBC.
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There was more praise from opponents when the great Ricky Ponting likened him to Glen McGrath at Lord’s. “Glenn McGrath was also exactly the same at Lord’s. McGrath loved bowling at Lord’s and loved being able to use the slope both ways from either end of the ground, which is something that is probably not talked about as much as it should be,” Ponting was quoted as saying by ICC.
“These big games are all about your big name players. Your star players have to stand up in these games,” he added.
At Lord’s in 3 Tests, Rabada tallies 18 wickets including two five-wicket hauls. Pidge McGrath was a giant with 26 wickets from 3 matches with the best figures of 8/38.
