KG RABADA ON 300 WICKETS: IT WILL MOTIVATE ME TO DO EVEN BETTER

MI Cape Town spearhead Kagiso Rabada joined the pantheon of legends after becoming the newest member of Test cricket’s elite “300-wicket club” yesterday.

Playing in his 65th Test for the Proteas against Bangladesh in Dhaka, the big fast bowler destroyed Mushfiqur Rahim’s stumps to reach the milestone.

Rabada is the sixth South Africa bowler to reach 300 Test wickets after Sunrisers Eastern Cape fast bowling coach Dale Steyn (439), Betway SA20 commentators Shaun Pollock (421) and Makhaya Ntini (390), Durban’s Super Giants bowling coach Allan Donald (330) and current India bowling coach Morne Morkel (309).

The 29-year-old’s strike-rate of 39.2, however, is the best among all bowlers in the world who have achieved this milestone.

"When I came on to bowl this morning, I wasn't really thinking about that final wicket," Rabada said. "I was more focused on how we were going to win this Test, especially after losing the toss and bowling first. But when it happened, it was just a relief. 

“Everyone plays for milestones, but it was a relief. The way my teammates support me, we support each other, and that felt really good.

"It's a special moment. As for the record, I didn't know about it, but I guess it motivates me to do even better."  There was as an extra significance to Rabada achieving the milestone at the Shere Bangla National Stadium as he had played his first international match there back in 2015. 

It certainly is a happy hunting ground for him as he claimed a then world record 6/15 on ODI debut. 

Ironically, it is the same ground where Steyn also achieved his 400th Test wicket for the Proteas.